Greetings from Geralyn

2012-01-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

Remember your Valentine at Greetings from Geralyn:

Rascal Flatts - Feels Like Today

2012-01-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

I was going from link to link today. Of course, it started with Bruce Springsteen announcing his U.S tour dates. Then to the book that retraces Bruce's rock and roll trail.....A really good book by the way. It lead me to this video. I am pretty blown away. I am not a big country fan.....but, I do like Rascal Flatts. This song is me........I woke up for months on end thinking I had to open a store. Not only did I have to open a store, but it had to be in Asbury Park. I am a big scrapbooker and optimist. I always wish I knew the future(life wouldn't be such a struggle if I REALLY knew the future!). I love how everyone looks at the picture of their future selves and know everything is going to be OK. And then......it is shot in Convention Hall........LOVE!!!! You get to see what the building looked like not too many years ago(2004). Feels Like Today takes a look at past.....but, ends up being our future! And, it feels right. It is an awesome feeling each day to see Convention Hall come alive each day. If you live nearby I hope you do come to Asbury Park and see all of the changes. Wednesday parking is free AND in the off season you can park in the Wonder Bar parking lot and it is free. And if you do come to Asbury Park, please come by and say hi.....we are at the store Friday through Sunday 12-6.

The Beatles When I'm 64

2012-01-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

This blog post goes out to my husband and inspired by everything he said to me last night. I am getting ready to design some brand new cards. I am so inspired by music. I am inspired by my husband. I am inspired by my children........who.......honestly have made me try to be the best that I can be. I have set up a room that I can't wait to get into and get to work (have to share pictures soon!) But, honestly the most inspiration since I've had since we opened the store is our customers. I LOVE our customers!!!!!! One of the things Glen and I both noticed after we opened the store was how you could start counting how many customers each day walked into the door and said "Hey, this is really cool.......what a great idea........who makes all this? .......I think what you do is really great". I go to bed every night and fall asleep instantly and when I open my eyes in the morning I can't wait to face the day. This weekend I had returning customers.....I had customers from London who I hope to stay in contact with......and I had a customer named Dawn. Dawn chatted with me as I put her items in her bag and she asked "Are you going to the show tonight?"........That was a tough ticket to get your hands on........I replied regretfully no.....but, the thought had crossed my mind to stay and listen through the wall. She came back and said she had her husband's ticket if I wanted it. I turned to Glen and thought.......there is no way........and he said......"She's going". I was thrilled and thankful. Dawn and I have been texting and emailing back and forth. She will be lucky enough to see Bruce in Barcelona. I just wanted to share how thankful I am for our store.....A dream come true!!!!! But, a store without customers would be like "an ice cream truck on a deserted street". (my favorite line of Waiting for a Sunny Day by Bruce Springsteen. Greetings from Geralyn customers YOU ROCK!!!!!!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart......you make my heart full along with my supportive family and friends!!!!!

Bruce Springsteen & The Houserockers - Waitin' On A Sunny Day - LOD 12.3gp

2012-01-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

On this Martin Luther King Day I would like to reflect on what I witnessed this weekend. I witnessed the Light of Day!!!! Yes, I was lucky enough to attend a concert where doors opened at 6pm and no one walked out the door until 2:20am. But, what I saw was a reflection of the human race as it is in 2012. It was a reflection of a dream Bob Benjamin had 12 years ago to help fight the disease Parkinson's which he was diagnosed with. He has since had surgery and was not only able to attend the event, but give the thank you speech at the end. Yes, Springsteen put on an awesome show....but, to me it was a culmination of a lot of things. It was a reflection of where Asbury Park was twelve years ago when the event started at the Stone Pony and what it has grown into. And, since today is Martin Luther King day I would like to think it is a reflection of what this country has gone through since the words Martin Luther King were first spoken. The concert was a lot of Artist's influenced by the Blue's. Even Bruce's songs started with Darkness on the Edge of Town. But, then that is why I included this video of Waiting on a Sunny Day comes on and the whole mood changes! Martin Luther King spoke for everyone and his dreams are becoming a reality. Today in Washington DC is a memorial for the first time everyone can come from all over the world to read his great inspirations in stone!!!!! I never have understood the meaning of all of this before......don't know whether it is coming with age or actually seeing how history is made. But, today I think 2012 is going to be a good year.........behind every corner is the Light of Day!!!! Enjoy these quotes:The selection of quotes was announced at a special event at the National Museum on February 9, 2007 (at the same time the identity of the sculptor was revealed).[53] The fourteen quotes on the Inscription Wall are:[47]
"We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." (16 August 1967, Atlanta, GA)
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." (1963, Strength to Love)
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." (10 December 1964, Oslo, Norway)
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." (18 April 1959, Washington, DC)
"I oppose the war in Vietnam because I love America. I speak out against it not in anger but with anxiety and sorrow in my heart, and above all with a passionate desire to see our beloved country stand as a moral example of the world." (25 February 1967, Los Angeles, CA)
"If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective." (24 December 1967, Atlanta, GA)
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." (16 April 1963, Birmingham, AL)
"I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits." (10 December 1964, Oslo, Norway)
"It is not enough to say "We must not wage war." It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but on the positive affirmation of peace." (24 December 1967, Atlanta, GA)
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." (25 February 1967, Los Angeles, CA)
"Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies." (4 April 1967, Riverside Church, New York, NY)
"We are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs "down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." (5 December 1955, Montgomery, AL)
"We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience." (16 April 1963, Birmingham, AL)
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice." (16 April 1963, Birmingham, AL)

2012-01-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

The store is closed for four days each week for the next few weeks.....YAY!!!!! I just finished my first four. I spent Monday on the couch ALL day to be inspired for weight loss watching Oprah on OWN network. Tuesday I had enough of that and planned a little getaway for my daughter and I. We spent the day in Washington DC. We went to the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of American Art and the Corcoran Gallery(killed the spelling on that). I loved my daughter's reaction to seeing the paintings displayed that her work has been compared to in her critiques. I so know the feeling......so, it was awesome to witness....I will do a post on the Artist because I really appreciated her work also. We had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.....which having the store was inspirational for me. I have been bad keeping up posts for Jersey Girls who Rock......I just had all the links ready and after skrewing up the spelling of the Corcoran.....I will wait until I have the links and spelling correct. In the meantime I always find this time of year a let down....I was so glad to get out and about and be inspired. I will leave you with an inspritational quote:Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain

Rock Star.......to me

2012-01-02T07:50:00.003-05:00

The New Year is off to a great start. Yesterday was the Polar Bear Plunge in Asbury Park. They had two bands play in the Arcade...right in front of our store. The highlight of the day was meeting Mark Weiss. He was the photographer for Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet Album......among others. He told me he just finished a shoot for Ozzie Osborne. What a great job!!!! One thing I love about the record albums is that it was a product all made in the USA......we even printed everything here......imagine that!!!! Meeting people who work in the record industry is like meeting a rock star to me......actually they are rock stars!!! One in a million........lucky........talented people. Mark was nice enough to sign a record sleeve under his name and take a picture with Glen. Glen is holding one of the boxes he made using the Slippery When Wet album cover. How cool is that??????

Jon Bon Jovi - Here comes the sun (live) - 07-09-2004

2011-12-31T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here Comes the Sun.........sun.....sun.......sun!!!!!
Happy 2012 to Everyone!!!!
Part of the reason for all my optimism for this year is Bamboozle is scheduled to be right outside of Convention Hall the weekend before Memorial Day weekend. We are already looking forward to next summer......Yeah...... go figure we are open 10-9 everyday from May until September and we CAN'T wait!!!! So....why you ask???? For starts Bamboozle will be headlined by Bon Jovi, Foofighters and Blink 182.....along with 100 other bands.........HELLO we love musicians!!!!! We were excited to see Bruce Springsteen will have a new release in early Spring.....excited he will be making fans overseas happy and can't wait to see what he has in store for the US. We know he will have an exhibit at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. 2012 will also bring some time for me at home........we will only be open from 12-6 Friday through Sunday from January through March. TIME.......time........time!!!!! Yes.....time to make some inventory for the store......time to decorate our new home.....time to visit and catch up with family.......time to cook and start weight watchers again...........Time...time....time....so excited!!!!! I hope you listen to this song this New Year's Eve and no matter where you are in your life it fills you with hope and optimism for the new year........Sun.....sun......sun......here it comes!!!!!

Here Comes the Sun performed by Paul Simon

2011-12-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share my word, theme, song for 2012. It is SUN. I loved when my word was shine.....I needed something very close to shine.... 2011 was AMAZING!!!!! Last year at this time we were digging out from a blizzard. This year was full of changes.......we moved store locations......what a thrill to be in Convention Hall.......and the first week we are open have Graham Nash walk into the store and tell us how cool it was and that he LOVED it. But, most of all meeting so many people and having them say how much they love our store and what we are doing. Glen worked at the store the day after Christmas. He said he was so thrilled with one person after another saying they received a gift from our store and how much they loved it!!!!! We moved out of a home basically my husband built........we were there 17 years. It was difficult, but I think we were prepared and ready. We like our new home. Our kitchen has a big picture window and it is a pleasure starting everyday with the sun shining in. Kaylyn and Ian finished a very hard semester and are ready for the their last three semesters of college. They talk about Grad school a LOT. I am trying not to think about that. So......2011 was a little slice of heaven full of changes and a lot to be grateful for. So 2012........Here comes the sun!!!!!

2011-12-11T08:44:00.002-05:00

Slideshow created with Smilebox

Great Gift Ideas......We are open Thursday through Monday 11am-6pm. Come see the 30 foot Christmas tree in the Grand Arcade. It is sure to put you in the spirit!!!!

Jersey Girls Rock......Zandra Cudney

2011-12-09T07:54:00.004-05:00

http://scrapstobeautybyzandra.blogspot.com/ is my first featured Jersey Girl Who Rocks. Her daughter was in my daughter's class. Whenever Kaylyn came home from her house she always came home with an artsy project they had made. When the girls participated in a lip sync show Zandra would host the practices and help them make the costumes. Zandra SEWS..........like I said....she rocks!!!!! When she gave me a homemade card.......is when it started. We decided to get together every Sunday night to scrapbook. Then we started to travel to scrapbook retreats. We took a cruise with Anna Griffin (love her!!!!!) Then it was to Arizona for TWO Creative Escapes. That is where the pictures above are from. We were able to take classes and meet Tim Holtz and Heidi Swapp. The sunset picture is funny.....we saw the shot.... pulled over....and were eaten alive by whatever little critters are seen flying around the shot. Totally worth it though!!!!
When you go to Zandra's blog you will obviously see how talented she is. She is inspired every week and joins challenges. She will do custom orders......just email her!!! Zandra is a talented teacher and has classes at Scrapper's Cove at least once a month.
I am in the process of getting ready for her traditon.....a cookie swap!!!!! She makes the invitation. We bring the cookies and go home with 5 dozen cookies and we can make a book with the 6x6 pages we bring with the recipes. I will share pictures as the swap gets closer. Zandra Cudney you rock!!!!!! Rock ON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Supporting Handmade

2011-12-02T11:57:00.004-05:00

Last night I took a ride to Princeton to a store called West Elm.........thanks Etsy for making me aware of this store. It is a great store full of different items for your home. As I sat in traffic which was still there at 8pm after a deadly accident on RT 195 that happened in day light. I wondered if I was doing the right thing. But, it was a lovely event in a store I never heard of before. I was able to meet some fellow Etsy sellers. I LOVE to meet sellers who have sold over 1,000 items on etsy. In my book.......you ROCK!!!!! Which brings me to my next goal is featuring a different Jersey Girl, each week, who rocks. Since, I started blogging I have come to some realizations. I used to complain because I had to travel to be part of an awesome retreat or attend a quality craft show. And that is what is awesome about blogging is you can write down and share what you learn. And I have learned........Jersey Girls Rock. So, I hope on Fridays you will come visit my Blog and see what Jersey Girls Rock each week. So, my first week and Esty sellers and proud members of ETSYNJ.........YOU ROCK!!!!! It was a pleasure meeting you last night and Congratulations on an awesome event!!!!! Jacqualynn, Barbara, Meeralee, and Cara rock on!!!!! The cute panda cards were part of what I purchased from ShickijiroThey are silkscreened and she included the What's Up Dude? card for free. It is the little extras like this.......that make shopping homemade so fun!!! The tree was decorated with ornaments made by visitors to the event. A very nice touch. Thank you to Etsy for executing an awesome event across the country!!! Thank you West Elm for having a location within an hour drive!!!!

Celebrating the Season!!!

2011-11-29T14:04:00.003-05:00

The countdown for the lighting of the tree was taken from our store. I can't believe this is what I get to look at each day. The holiday music is on and the weather has been warm and beautiful. This is really a dream come true.

Thankful........The Holidays are upon us

2011-11-27T14:36:00.004-05:00

Being in retail for so many years I have developed a love/ hate relationship with the holidays. I am thrilled beyond belief with the location of our business this holiday season. We had a tree lighting, the Mayor announcing for everyone to support small businesses, Santa riding in on a Harley, our town mascot Tillie, my husband who would make custom clocks for customers while they waited, a live band with horns playing upbeat Christmas songs, bagpipers who play for the roller derby but, blessed us with my favorite.....Amazing Grace. This kind of support is so appreciated. I might just have a love relationship with the Holidays after all of this!!!!!

Tree Lighting November 26 at 5 pm

2011-11-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Holiday Express

2011-11-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

Holiday Express ...... So this is Holiday Express. Starting Friday we will be collecting items for their gift bags. Items needed most are deodorant. I will be doing a drop off once a week to the warehouse in Tinton Falls. Last Christmas it was a wish I could do something......but, full of excuses. I am so glad to be able to participate this year!!!!!

Holiday Express Drop Off

2011-11-18T08:41:00.004-05:00

Walked in to this yesterday.........really getting into the spirit of the holidays. The pointed building on the right is the old Howard Johnson restaurant that graced the boardwalk for years. Now it is home to McLoones (Tim McLoone is the founder of Holiday Express) he is my American Idol. Holiday Express is a group of volunteers that travel and perform 50 shows from now until Christmas. Each person at each stop gets a gift bag full of necessities. It is an organization bringing cheer to the forgotten during the holidays and I couldn't admire a person or a group of volunteers any more then I admire them. I will show some videos to help you understand what they do.......they are awesome. Greetings from Geralyn will be a drop off for items needed for the gift bags......please click here to get the full list. The item most needed right now is deodorant (men or women's and must be new). If you want to do something but don't have the time just share this with people out of my circle.....on facebook, twitter......I don't twitter so I would really appreciate anyone you can reach with this.........thanks!!!!!

Preparing for the Holidays

2011-11-16T13:46:00.004-05:00

I didn't list on Etsy last Christmas...........My store was not on the boardwalk last Christmas....I totally don't know what to expect. Last night was beyond my expectations.....I had a customer from Etsy convo me and say she wanted some Billy Joel or Eagles bookends the night before. Glen made 2 pair of Billy Joel and one pair of Eagles bookends......I took the pictures and by the time I listed them it was 9pm.....I let the customer know........I was watching Glee and New Girl......love these shows and I looked up and the time was 10:13 59 degrees on the tv.......I was like woooaaahh what's the odds of that(that's my birthdate).....like 11/11/11. So, I made a wish for any kind of good fortune. I opened my computer and one of the bookends sold....yes!!!! I went to convo her.....it wasn't the original customer....I quickly let her know........then she did buy a pair.......yes!!!! Then I am telling Glen the story and while I am telling him.... the Eagles bookends sold.......wahooo!!!!!! So.......the story will be continued....I can't wait to list some more bookends tonight and see what happens. The bookends were shipped today to California, Texas and Pennsylvania. It's hard to depend on a business like this.....but, it sure is worth a shot......you never know!!!!!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T16:58:00.004-05:00

What a unique date today........every day is unique but, we are alive to see this date.......11/11/11......some people say it means corduroy.........I did wear corduroy today!!!! Some people say if you make a wish at 11:11 on 11/11/11 it will come true. It is also Veteran's Day......thankful for all of our service men and their families....today and always.

Glen just put the finishing touches on these boxes today. I love them!!! As soon as he walked out the door I sold a Bon Jovi one. So, quick I took a picture so you could see these before they fly off the shelf. We sold three this week......they take a long time to make.....but, it is satisfying that they sell so quick!!!!

Getting Ready......it's the longest weekend of the year!!!!!

2011-11-04T17:06:00.002-04:00

The shelves are full........orders for the week are shipped.........had a day with my mom and the kids..........unpacked my clothes and put in the dresser............listed items on etsy.....worked on my new room(YES!!!!!!!with the new house came a room of my own......I can't wait to share pictures of my craft......crap......scrap........cave....space.....studio....whatever you call it.......I love it......a place for everything......and a place of my own..........woooohooo!!!!!!!) food shopped......well, the point is I had a busy week and feel ready to rest. Ian is home for the weekend to help with the store.......so maybe I can concentrate on decorating the store for the holidays. I love daylight savings time in the Fall.....especially when I feel caught up. I love getting the extra hour......as you get older it is a REAL bonus!!!!! I hope you make the most of this bonus weekend.......enjoy!!!!!!!!!

All Moved.......well.......almost

2011-10-27T16:01:00.003-04:00

I will be as happy as this clock face when we are all moved in. We closed on selling and buying a new house a week ago. Trying to tye lose ends, unpack, etc........We are getting there. The clock above is made by my husband. They end up being one of a kind.....we can't keep up. They sell very quickly. The face is of Tilly. Tilly is pretty much the mascot of Asbury Park. He dates back to the beginning of the century. He was used as an advertisement for the Palace Amusements. The building was torn down around ten years ago. The Wonder Bar across the street is adorned with a huge painting of Tilly........keeping his spirit alive.

Shepard Fairey/ATP coverage on NJ TV

2011-10-13T07:17:00.000-04:00

Shepard Fairey/ATP coverage on NJ TV: This short by Adam Worth features Shepard Fairey and Jonathan LeVine discussing their recent exhibition REVOLUTIONS: The Album Cover Art of Shepard Fairey, presented in association with All T.....I am sharing another video about Shepard Fairey's visit to Asbury Park. My favorite part of being at the store right now is sharing the murals with our customers whether they are from out of town or locals. Everyday when I pull up to the parking lot I get to see the large mural of The Ramones.........it makes me smile!

The Zombies are coming......

2011-10-11T14:37:00.003-04:00

I am feeling like a Zombie........we are busy packing our home and making progress. I was dreading and preparing for this for a long time. It was a beautiful weekend and was great to have the kids home. I can't wait for all of this to be complete. I have a lot of work to do on my etsy shop and should be starting to prep for the holidays at the store. We are so lucky to have had a nice weekend to extend the season a little longer. Back to the boxes......yuk.

Greetings From Geralyn - Shops - Asbury Park Boardwalk

2011-10-08T07:56:00.000-04:00

Greetings From Geralyn - Shops - Asbury Park Boardwalk

Today is the Beerfest in Convention Hall. It is beautiful out.

Enjoy the sunshine and warmth in October today!!!!

Loving the Vibe in Asbury Park

2011-09-30T08:53:00.003-04:00

Shepard Fairey is in town!!!! This is the view north of Convention Hall. You can actually see some of this from the windows of our building. Last night we went to the opening and there is more work that went up on the side of Asbury Lanes and you can see it through the Gallery's windows. The art is based on records and I love it!!!!!! The Gallery Show is here along with All Tomorrow's Parties a weekend long music festival featuring Portishead from England. This will bring thousands of people to town and it looks like we are ready for them!!!!

JLG presents REVOLUTIONS: The Album Cover Art of Shepard Fairey in association with ATP music festival in Asbury Park, NJ

2011-09-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

JLG presents REVOLUTIONS: The Album Cover Art of Shepard Fairey in association with ATP music festival in Asbury Park, NJ: Jonathan LeVine Gallery is proud to present REVOLUTIONS: THE ALBUM COVER ART OF SHEPARD FAIREY in association with All Tomorrow's Parties (ATP) music festival 2011. The opening reception of R...

Back to Business

2011-09-15T07:28:00.003-04:00

So excited to be carrying Smash Books......but, before I knew it all the full size books were sold. I should receive my original large order very soon. I LOVE them. I am working on the mini one (pictured above--spiral book). I am using it with pictures of our new house. Next to the pictures of each room......I am mapping out how to pack......so I can just put it into place. I hope it goes as easy as it sounds. Yes, after eighteen years in this house my husband built we will be moving. We will close on selling and buying on the same day in Mid-October. This is a bittersweet time in our life and I think we are pretty prepared.

This September feels like back to school time for me. I am getting that feeling of doom yet excitement at the same time. Every day off I am trying to purge, pack, clean, cook and make some product for the store. I just made three Bruce Springsteen boxes and two Greetings from Asbury Park scrapbooks. I joined Weight Watchers....so I am trying to cook healthy.....which always feels good. I got rid of two bags of clothes.........that made me feel lighter. So, it's really not so bad. I plan on posting through of all of this, but in reality I realize it may become hard to post.........................so with this post you will know why ;).

Every teardrop IS a Waterfall

2011-09-11T07:56:00.002-04:00

This day.......this date......one we will never forget. It is sad......I don't want to feel those feelings again.....I don't want to answer my children's questions again.......I don't want to feel like I HAVE to watch TV to be able to know if we are safe.......We were scared......we were frightened.......we were disgusted.....and then we woke up the next day. We had to be brave.....we had to face a new day....we had to be there.......we had to go to our jobs and school.....on the way we saw flags...one after the other......one bigger then the other......our souls and mood started to change......we felt proud instead of scared...every bridge with a police officer watching over......we felt safe....with the tragedy of what happened we came together and showed the world we could keep calm and carry on..........God Bless America...please keep us safe and out of harms way. I pray for the families of the loved ones lost that day. I pray for Peace........Hope.......Love and Faith in this country of ours.

The reason I put the video of Every teardrop is a waterfall on is our store is featured in VH1 Top 20 Countdown today at 9am.....I wish my cable provider carried that channel. Our store is in the introduction of this song. If you see it.....please, let me know......thanks!!!!

Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

2011-09-11T07:54:00.000-04:00

Adele - Tired

2011-09-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Boston - Peace of Mind

2011-09-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

Gary Russo - 2nd Ave New York City Construction Worker - Sinatra singe...

2011-09-06T10:45:00.000-04:00

We're out of the gate

2011-09-06T10:31:00.002-04:00

And we are off............Glen and I enjoying the first day the store is closed since May. I started setting my goals........Weight Watchers for a start and creating. First thing is to get an order out from the weekend.....then I am making boxes. Glen just bought 50 at the flea market this weekend.....a little too many for me. But, I will keep busy for a while and the different shapes are inspiring. I heard a good quote last weekend that really rings true for me.....can't remember it's exact words. It was Nils Lofren the bass player for Bruce Springsteen and how Bruce's music is the landscape of his fan's lives......I loved the way that sounded. Since, our store is all about records and music......this is so true for us. Not, just Bruce music but all music. The sound of a song can bring up a memory and stir your soul instantly. I try to listen to music to motivate and inspire me. My favorites right now are Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Ingrid Michelson, Southside Johnny, Jackson Browne, Beach Boys, ELO and my husband played the original album by Boston this week and was WOWED by how much he liked their music.........way back when. So, if the end of summer has you blue......or the rain here on the east coast........Play some music........it CAN be a cure for the end of summer blues!!!!! I am going to load some videos on here from you tube to help motivate.....so take a listen and be amazed how it can change your mood!!!!

Every tear is a Waterfall

2011-09-03T08:06:00.003-04:00

Thanks for your posts on facebook and concern.......we made it through hurricane Irene with humor and grace........we lost power at our house for three days.
We slowly left Friday night to appreciate the calm before the storm.......
We actually had the weekend off to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary......we had to drive an half an hour to find a restaurant with electricity.....but, that was fine....we had dinner out a lot because of the loss of electricity :)
Yesterday Jim Shearer came and filmed at the store for VH1's Top Twenty for the week of September 10th......pinch me!!!! He introduced the song Every Tear is a Waterfall by Coldplay. I love the song and the video is perfect actually referring to records.

And then a person on s segway showed up????? My life is pretty exciting lately, for sure!!!!!

Scrapbook Love !!!!!

2011-08-20T10:52:00.002-04:00

This was so fun to do!!!! Elena Sheehy (check out her blog and store) came into my store........I think during our move......and described what she wanted. She had the horoscope done for her new born nephew....so we made the book 81/2" by 11" to fit the pages. She said she wanted a moon on the cover......so, we found the Journey cover and cut it to size. We both found pictures of the moon.....so I used her moon rising from the mountains on the cover. She also liked the idea of his name on the building......it came out cute.....but, it may be hard to see in the picture.
I cut out a picture of her nephew and put him on the first page with a picture of the moon. I glittered the cover and the first page with stickles.......my favorite product from Ranger Industries......they recently featured pictures from Asbury Park.......and one of them you can see my store.......check it out here!!!! I just finished binding five scrapbooks and have four more almost done. Love to see how many customers appreciate them and find them unique.

Growing Collection of Autographs

2011-08-15T10:33:00.002-04:00

Well the big weekend is over......Bob Dylan and Leon Russell played in Convention Hall last night. We were able to get a signed album cover from Leon Russell and Bob Dylan's road crew said they never even see Bob Dylan and you will never be able to get to him......they were right. I pulled my chair to the outside of the store and listened to the show.....the only song I recognized was Rolling Stone.

You never know who you might be swimming next to in Asbury Park. Glen met Felipe Rose from Village People on Saturday and was able to get him to sign one of Village People's albums. He lives in Asbury Park and signed it your neighbor and friend.....you gotta love him!!!!

One of the Jukes walked by the store on Sunday on his way to the Dylan show and I flagged him in to sign our Jukes album.......he signed it Rock On!!!!

On Sunday I got to see my nephew......he is the biggest rock star in my life......he is now 2 and it was the biggest thrill to see him roar like a lion. It was an exhausting weekend.......now, the next big show in Asbury Park..........Whitesnake!!!!! Off to you tube to see if there are any recent pictures.

It must have been teenage!

2011-08-06T10:20:00.004-04:00

Twenty years ago,today, at this very time Ian and Kaylyn Gray entered the World.....I remember it was a Tuesday. I remember this because we were driving to the hospital listening to the radio and it was two for Tuesday.......my husband and I thought this was so funny because we knew we were having twins. Our lives have never been the same since.....Kaylyn and Ian fill our lives with joys and blessings.........Happy 20th Birthday Ian and Kaylyn!!!! The birth was a giant relief they were beautiful and healthy......Kaylyn.....7lbs. and Ian.....6lb and 11 oz. I could recognize the difference in their cries instantly!!!! I remember from the instant I held them I couldn't look at one longer than the other(I probably looked like I was watching a tennis match). Most of the time growing up Kaylyn was taller then Ian......no worries......look at them now!!! Ian is taller then all of us!!!! The day was perfect also.....the summer I was pregnant was the hottest on record. I often think it was great that we had twins so Glen and I wouldn't fight over holding the babies.....we always had one to hold. When they took each one away to be weighed it seemed like an eternity......when Glen came back with them all swaddled in their blankets he said..."You're not going to believe what was playing on the hospital music system.....and I have it all on tape........Baker Street!". I was in disbelief......this was "Our" song....but, the history of "our" song was not really a good one......we actually fought over it and in the beginning of our relationship I really couldn't believe we could fight over something like this.....we didn't talk for awhile.....Glen really brought the whole thing up and wanted "Don't go Changing" by Billy Joel........well I wanted "Baker Street.....Needless to say after a while what did it matter.......but, I AM Irish and stubborn.......it was silly....When we left the hospital the heat wave was gone and this most beautiful breeze was blowing......of course, I thought this would have been nice during those last few days before I gave birth. But, again it made that feeling of relief that much stronger........but, now I was full of thoughts of how we would be able to keep two babies fed, changed, and happy. It was challenging but, the best days of my life...........they were a joy then and they still are. Some of the best moments of my life were just staring at them and thinking what a lucky person I was. Happy Birthday Ian and Kaylyn!!!!!

The Happiness Project

2011-08-01T07:59:00.003-04:00

I thought it would be a good idea to read a book this summer. So, luckily next door at the store they carry some bestsellers. I bought The Happiness Project....it was a fun and quick read that I put down and pick up when I wanted. I really enjoyed it. I almost feel my blog has been my own little happiness project. When I became unemployed and soon to be empty nester......I knew I needed some kind of outlet AND support. I need to write down what I am feeling......and the fact that I get readers and commenters.......that ends up bringing support. I try not to let my moods be dependent on it......but, what is amazing is the simple fact that all of my ups and downs are documented.........it has been a roller coaster ride. Being that this is a public forum I don't share the downs too much. But, come on, there has to be some downs with this economy......etc.!!!!! But, I loved the approach of this book. Some of it actually reminded me of Creative Escape where we made Gratitude books or a book of questions that included my favorites........What would you do if you knew you would not fail? AND Do you love who you love.........wow!!!! That one is a good one. I'll admit I find myself snippy at home and with the one's I love.......I don't want to be that way.....but, hey no one is perfect.....I don't try to be and understandably no one else is either.......I don't care who you are.......you will never be perfect or at your best ALL the time.

So, I took away a lot from this book and I recommend it. I think my blog is already my happiness project. I finally reached a stage in my life where I am doing things........acting on things and not just dreaming about them. I am realizing that I am grateful for so many things.....my family the most.......trying to be accepting of the way things are.......and going with the flow. When I opened the store......I thought.....ok you got what you want.......your family is extremely supportive......so why aren't you happy???? But, recently I have to say people look at me and say you are so happy and excited........keep that feeling. I know what they mean.......it is just hard to do on a daily basis.......but, the store.........my amazing husband who seems to want to be at the store at all times who keeps up with the never ending sales of his clocks.......my children who work so hard and really never complain.........I am blessed and thankful. This quote below is what I read in 1982 when we bought our first house.......work was slow........we rented the house out for the summer and used the money for an addition on the house........it was a trying time......I read this on a plaque.....bought it and put the plaque on the wall. It does make me happy to read it:

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Elvis Costello - Oliver's Army - Count Basie Theater 7.26.11

2011-07-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

How cool is this? Terry, who works at Shelter Home located next to Greetings from Geralyn in the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall was picked to spin the wheel and dance in the cage. That is her with her boyfriend. Yay!!!!! I was so disappointed the show I was supposed to see Friday night was cancelled, but I am so excited this happened to her.......it must have been a great experience!!!!!

Blood Sweat & Tears - You Make Me So Very Happy

2011-07-30T10:31:00.001-04:00

Love.....love........love bands with a horn section.........Thank you Baby!!!!! Andrea Valentini who has played the drums for Blood Sweat and Tears came into the store yesterday. He wanted to have a clock made from a Blood Sweat and Tears record...No problem my husband said. So, we both went into a frenzy to find a record. I was at home looking through the garage and luckily Glen found one at the store. He called to see where we should have him autograph it when he came to pick up the clock. When Glen looked at the record sleeve of The Greatest Hits Album he found.......he couldn't believe there was actually a picture of Bruce Springsteen and the Greetings from Asbury Park Album.......The graphics were like an old newspaper ....so we had him sign it there!!!!! It was who Blood Sweat and Tears felt were inspiring at the time....I thought that was awesome. I just left their website......they may not be touring in Asbury Park, but I thought it was nice that he spent some time there......it is so good to see bands like this touring after 40 years..........Songs like this bring back so many happy memories......how about the song.......Spinning Wheel how do like that song. Oh and that brings up something else awesome that happened this week. I was emailed 2 free tickets to see Elvis Costello at the Borgata in Atlantic City.....talked to my neighbor at the store.....Shelter Home....Terry and she said she had tickets to see him Tuesday at Count Basie in Red Bank. We also talked about trying to get Adele tickets for October at the Borgata. She came into the store on Friday......bad news........Adele concert was sold out......I was going to the box office when I was going to Elvis concert.......5 minutes later....more bad news......Elvis Costello cancelled the show for the Friday show.......I was disappointed.....well guess what????? When Terry went to the show on Tuesday with her boyfriend they were pulled to the stage and spun the giant wheel of songs and got to dance to the song Oliver's Army...I am going to include that video too....just thought of it.....so it will go on the post above this. Love.....love.....love this video....so happy for them!!!!

Happy Together

2011-07-25T19:48:00.005-04:00

This concert took place a little over a week ago.......it was in the Paramount Theatre.....the dressing rooms are above our store and the theatre is behind the store. The promoter of the event was very kind to us and gave us the opportunity to attend the meet and greet....so we were able to get some of our records signed. The concert was excellent......the music was from the sixties and brought back so many memories.

It was The Turtles, Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Grass Roots, the Buckinghams and The Association. They all sounded awesome.

I am reading The Happiness Project. I am almost done......I am up to November.....I will include a link to her blog after I finish the book. This summer is better then I could have imagined.....my husband and I make the hours work......lately he'll open and work 6 hours and I'll close and work 6 hours and when the kids fill in we will have a dinner on the boardwalk. We survived the heat wave...and........I think we will be half way through the store being open every day. I am looking forward to the downward slope.....it was not so bad....the store really is fun!!!!

Bruce Springsteen/JT Bowen/Sensational Soul Cruisers ~ Savin' Up ~ Video...

2011-07-18T10:20:00.000-04:00

This is what Glen and I are doing.........Saving up.......for the things money can't buy. The words are where we are in our lives right now........especially the big back yard part. Enjoy every minute of your life and make the most of all of those MOMENTS.......that is what life is about. This all took place right across from our store.....it was awesome!!!!! The person that took this video......I met once and we became friends on facebook......it's her birthday today.........talk about a great birthday putting these videos on you tube today!!!! Happy Birthday Rose!!!!!

Greetings from Geralyn: Where Women Create 2011

2011-07-14T23:18:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Geralyn: Where Women Create 2011: "So, every year participating in Where Women Create's blog party.......I am in a different place.....the first one I admitted my crafting spa..."

Where Women Create 2011

2011-07-14T22:51:00.003-04:00

So, every year participating in Where Women Create's blog party.......I am in a different place.....the first one I admitted my crafting space was part of master bedroom.......last year I had a store with a studio with cabinets!!!!!! This year I am creating on the sales counter of my store.
I keep everything I need in this Vera Bradley mini suitcase........they are discontinued...but, you could probably still find them on ebay.
Love the mesh pocket for my most needed supplies........
It holds my blank cards.....double stick tape.......mat paper........stickles..........
My copies of old postcards and sayings I apply to them...............
These are the cards and journals I make..........what I find ironic is what I make sells......sells a lot....I just made 50 cards on Monday to replenish what I sold over the weekend. So, what I now focus on making the cards at the store and the scrapbooks I make from record album covers at home. We are at a point of downsizing our home so, when we settle into someplace new hopefully I can have some studio space again.
The store had a dressing room.....but that is used by my husband to make his clocks.....they far outsell everything else and he will make clocks while a customer waits for special requests so it does make sense he has the space.....So, I just make the cards on the counter when there is some slow time........our hours are long so there are some lulls during the day. So........I don't have the creative space that I had before.......but, I am actually happier. It's nice to be focused and not have a lot of stuff that is not being used hanging around.....it sort of like a weight lifted off my shoulders.......even though a space of my own was always a dream come true.....it's hard when you are sharing the space. It's nice to adjust to what you have available.......in other words.....Bloom Where You Are Planted!!!!!

Timing.....

2011-07-12T22:07:00.002-04:00

Timing is everything.........and this week the only good timing I had was having these scrapbooks made when Jeff Kazee of the Asbury Jukes and Steve Forbert showed up. Glen was sure to get them to sign our books which was great, but I was sorry I didn't get to meet them. I have been busy getting supplies and between yesterday and today I made 50 greeting cards.....phew!!!! There is usually relief at the beach with a sea breeze.......not today......it was hot hot hot. Tomorrow is another day.

Endless Summer

2011-07-10T09:51:00.004-04:00

Our wall displays change very quickly. Today I decided to blog about the last picture I took. In one week.......the River Scrapbook sold.......the Southside Johnny scrapbook was signed by the keyboard player for the Jukes(it will be put aside to be used as a scrapbook for the store).........the Clarence Clemons album frame sold.......really not complaining......I am so grateful.....I have orders for scrapbooks to be filled. The sun is shining..........literally!!!!! So, when it rains now it is time to take a deep breath and try to keep up. I keep telling myself how great it is to busy.........it won't be like this all year. I have a lot of posts I want to do but, I have to have the links ready to share. I just didn't want a lot of time to go by before I posted. The days.....rainy.....or sunny are flying by. We get a chance every now and then to go out to dinner while the kids watch the store. Like everything else in life we will figure out how to juggle everything and it will be the end of summer. What I love most is how full of life I feel......all of my senses our full......the sounds of The Beach Boys blasted through the speakers at Convention Hall......the sounds of rain beating against the boardwalk.....the feel of the air changing from humid to a beautiful cool sea breeze......the sounds and smells of popcorn popping.....and the sights of a endless parade of people.........always happy.......and enjoying the Asbury Park boardwalk scene. A walk on the boardwalk could include a bridal party getting pictures taken, chinese acrobats preparing for a show, a drum circle, hula hoopers, guitar players, the cutest dogs at yappy hour..........the sights and sounds are endless. We are having the time of lives at our endless summer in Asbury Park........I will look up to the sky tonight and thank my lucky stars as I did last night.

Born in the USA

2011-07-05T00:03:00.002-04:00

First time to ever celebrate Fourth Of July in Asbury Park. I loved the fireworks going off with Springsteen music playing........of course. It was an amazing weekend. Happy 4th of July!!!!!

Blog Linky Party

2011-06-28T19:28:00.004-04:00

This was my favorite blog spot......I just got the chair for Christmas and this was in the store we were in until the end of May. I have to find a new spot at my new store. It is much smaller and busier so it is harder to do a blog post there. So, when I get a chance I post from home and I am usually on the couch with my laptop.......and today I am blogging and watching my favorite show.....the office. So, if you would like to join in on this blog party.........click on this
Ok.........why do I love to blog. Once I started I have not stopped. I think 10 days is the longest time I have taken between posts. I don't know if I am addicted or I just plain enjoy blogging. I love to share what's new, what's happening, what I am thinking about or like my last post.....what I am feeling. It is a great release and I love that I have my life for the last few years documented. I also love comments.......I love hearing the readers reactions. Then I love to catch up with my readers by checking out their blogs and seeing what is new with them. It is like an interactive magazine. By going to other blogs I may find a new recipe, a beautiful garden, a distant travel destination, a decorating project, a new crafting tool.

So........my blog spot changes all the time since I have a laptop. But, I love to blog while watching tv or if I have a quiet time at the store I will blog there. I hope you join in on the fun and leave a comment so I can visit you and see where your favorite blog spot is.

Wallowing

2011-06-23T16:36:00.003-04:00

So sad today to hear the news of Glen Campbell......but, so impressed at the same time how he will do a final farewell tour......God Bless Him.
Everyday people still say they are having a sad day after the loss of Clarence Clemons and they actually come to Asbury Park to get through the feeling. I walk by the Memorials and think it's sad also. I can't believe the Governor actually declared yesterday a day of mourning and flew the flags at half mast. Lately having the store brings up a lot of great memories of living in the area and being part of something great. I show old Thomas Edison record cylinders that started it all. I am always so proud to say it is the industry of record making was a strong part of New Jersey's history. Then today the news of Glen Campbell.........bam.....it hit me like a ton of bricks......I quickly looked for an old 45 to play. Oh my gosh memories of my dad came flooding in. He played records EVERY DAY for as long as I can remember......Frank Sinatra...Glen Miller.......Wayne Newton.....and he loved Glen Campbell. My dad passed away from Alzhiemers and to think Glen Campbell will perform a farewell tour is just remarkable to me. I am not used to being able to work and wallow at the same time.......I always liked worked for the distraction. But, as I get older I am glad I get to wallow........it feels right. I am glad that Glen Campbell is going to be a person I can truly admire.....someone who has lived his life making a living at something he loves to do AND be able to say goodbye and thank you to his fans. I know Clarence is up there somewhere full of gratitude......you could see it with his attitude on stage. Well, I have to get back to work........no.....wallowing.....it's a rainy and dreary day here.

Life in the Fast Lane

2011-06-21T12:31:00.003-04:00

It is GOOD to be busy. Tomorrow I think I will have the first full day off in a long time! I have a list a mile long........not, complaining.........We really have the best of both worlds here. But, we are making sure Glen and I each have a full day off this week. The kids have been helping. Glen has been able to sit on the beach with a book and end the day at the beach bar.......and sighs....this is like a vacation!!!! I have had some time here and there......but, it seems like there is something we need for the store....so my time is spent running around. The kids are both lucky to be able to hold onto their jobs for the summer. Kaylyn has had this job since September and I just realized how funny it is that they ended up working across the street from each other. We have to start setting goals for home life so we get some things accomplished there.........I came to a realization we can't even have a dinner at home with the four of us because one of us is at the store. But, this is just for the summer.....it will be over before we know it. The hours are much easier in the winter.....it is good to be open while the summer crowds are here.

Moon Over Asbury

2011-06-16T08:14:00.002-04:00

I tried to capture the beauty of the night as I left the store last night.......some things just can't be captured by camera. Last night the temperature and sky was perfect.......stunning!
I still can't get over what I get to look out at everyday. I have always loved the ocean......I know I am lucky to live nearby. Our days at the store are 11-12 hours.......we have worked everyday since before Memorial Day. This is not a complaint.........this is an accomplishment. For the first time I don't really count the hours before the day is over. I just look out the window.....I don't wish to be anywhere else.....I just think how lucky we are. This week was busy restocking after a successful weekend.....looking forward to another weekend. Kaylyn and Ian are working some shifts.......and quite possibly we might take a day off.....I can't even imagine that.....we'll see!!!!

Grand Opening was Grand

2011-06-11T20:55:00.003-04:00

Our first customers of the day....
I was thankful for the whole family to be there to share in the festivities......
We made some new friends........
Glen was funny.....he saw me upload pictures on facebook and actually asked me to take a picture of his score at the flea market this morning.....He also is wearing the t-shirt Kaylyn brought home to him from Liverpool.
Little did he know the Album wouldn't even last a whole day in our store. This great mom bought a red revolution turntable for her kitchen.....and made this boy very happy with the purchase of the Album for his eighth grade graduation. The boy was great......while he was in the store we asked what his favorite Beatle song was and he told us Eleanor Rigby. We played it for him and he knew every word........a great ending to a great day!!!!!

Grand Arcade Grand Opening

2011-06-09T09:10:00.003-04:00

Ok...........I'll admit it I am tired.........I like that Lazy Song on the radio..........Today I don't feel like doing anything.........Did you ever have a day like that????? It is supposed to be over 100 degrees today. The store has been busy and I am grateful. Glen and I are both busy making inventory for the store. Well, I lasted until 9am.....not doing anything........I did answer the phone..........do you think you could actually have a day where you get away with not doing a thing????? The idea is fun........but, it wouldn't make a good tomorrow trying to catch up with everything!!!!

Grand Opening at Convention Hall

2011-06-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

Personalize a free invitation card

Weekend.........not over yet!!!

2011-05-30T09:53:00.004-04:00

Glen with Liz Beres-Schwartz on the right and her daughter Olivia on the left and their friend from the band Sibling Rivalry in the middle. It was a fun visit after the fireworks.
Liz and I went to Georgian Court together and we put a lot of pressure on her spin art, since we were Art majors together.
The fireworks .......
They went off right out the window......you can see them through the window.......what a great weekend....one more day. Remembering today all those who serve and have served this country of ours......God Bless America.

Summer is HERE

2011-05-28T17:29:00.005-04:00

Summer has begun.............

Well the dead of winter is over..........my first customers were here in Asbury Park for the Zombie Beach Party.

I spent the morning making these scrapbooks .....I am feeling a little dead myself.
I decided to take a picture every day. This is what I see when I look out of my store........A bride and groom and their bridal party. I will keep a camera in my pocket and share all the fun things that walk by the store each day.
Ok.....it is still a work in progress......well, I think I will be feeling like that Springsteen song for awhile....One step up....... two steps back.......(he was in Convention Hall last night......I missed him). I made a lot of scrapbooks this morning.......a lot of my cards are sold out this morning.........my Snookie card is a hit!!!!! I thought I could pause for a while......but, it looks like I'll be making some cards tonight while I am watching Saturday Night Live.

For the Moments and Musings that Stick: Greetings from Geralyn

2011-05-26T13:32:00.000-04:00

For the Moments and Musings that Stick: Greetings from Geralyn: "I had so much fun at your booth at the entrance to the show and inside the show. I can't wait to get my order which included the start up ki..."

Ian at Chris's Jazz Club

2011-05-25T11:20:00.003-04:00

I love being able to take a video and share it. I couldn't upload it to email it for anyone at a distance. So, being able to put it on my blog and have readers read it it as far away as England means a lot. Sometimes, I really take the latest technology for granted. But, today I am thankful.....always counting my blessings!!!

Branding

2011-05-20T08:26:00.003-04:00

I love stickers........now I have my own......they go on our bags and I finally got the perfect boxes to hold our clocks. I am always trying to keep the costs down.......so white plain PIZZA boxes with a label works perfectly!!!!!
This is the freebie Smash book I was given at the KandCompany booth. I couldn't wait to fill it up. These are my business cards. I did forget to grab some for the Stationery show, but I had invoices printed up and handy so I gave those to vendors when I wrote orders.
I also got a rubber stamp made and can use a red or black ink pad......this was fun to use to get autographs of bands and I am going to use the Deja Vu Scrapbook with David Crosby's autograph to keep a scrapbook for the store.
I LOVE my sign........People take pictures everyday!!!!!! Diane did an excellent job because she had the dimensions needed and fit the logo in perfectly..........there is NO way I could have done that and she did it quickly and with ease!
The toppers I made for all four fixtures by enlarging the logo and printing on sticker paper.
Branding is a part of business I thought I would be good at. My favorite part of being in business is being creative. When I signed up to be at our new location the first thing I was asked for was a logo. Fun.......I thought. Well.......I could imagine it.....just couldn't execute it. I love my mac...but I still am learning how to use Word on it. So, I remember someone I met when I worked Paper Source. I featured her cruise inspired invitations on my blog. We became friends on facebook and even though she lives in Reading Pennsylvania......we were able to work together. I told her what I had in mind and she had three examples to pick from in no time. I loved all three designs but, the one I picked was very simple and to the point. Thank you Diane........you are a life saver and made that stressful time so much easier!!!! You can see more of Diane Zerr's work at her website: Faye and Co. So.......one of the best things to learn in business is to delegate. When I went to the Etsy Success Symposium the best advice I heard was.....if you want good photographs......hire a professional. Ugh.......that costs money. But, in order for you to be successful sometimes you just have to realize you can't do it all and so you just have to ask for help!!!!

Fun at the New York Stationery Show

2011-05-17T22:59:00.002-04:00

Zandra and I were off to a great start.........This Smash Book display at the entrance of the show was my favorite product.....check out the video in the following post.
The paper dresses were spectacular......I share an album on facebook......there was a whole runway full of different designer's paper dresses.
I love looking at the Awards for different greeting cards...It was great to see some of the cards I sell featured.
My favorite booth was Tinsel Trading Company.....looks so dreamy!

SMASH Book from K&Company

2011-05-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

Ok I have not been this excited about something new in a while.........and I am not buying anymore scrapbooking supplies............right????? Well, this is more of what I do to save memories......Kaylyn leaves for Liverpool and I can imagine her using this for her trip. My favorite thing to do after a trip is on the plane flight home start gathering maps, postcards, itineraries......I cut it before I get on the plane (that pesky no scissors rule) and I start gluing together my memories of the trip.........This is PERFECT for that and so many things!!!! They had a great booth, great customer service, and they took a picture with a polaroid camera to start filling up the little smash book they gave you! We also were given T-shirts for finding a clue in the giant collage they made which was great for picture taking.

Where the Bands Are

2011-05-12T08:38:00.000-04:00

Lots to love at our new location........but, most of all we love being where the bands are!!!!

Make a free greeting card

Crosby, Still, Nash & Young - Teach Your Children

2011-05-06T10:49:00.000-04:00

Last night someone who works at Convention Hall put it best....."You haven't even been open for two weeks and you had Graham Nash shopping in your store" and I liked how Graham told me how cool it was.......and I honestly I wasn't positive it was him until I confirmed it after he left. So, when David Crosby came by it was a different story......He found the scrapbook I made out of his record cover....the one above and he explained how it was the most expensive record cover ever made ( I believe it!) and in the beginning each picture was individually applied and then they started to make copies of the whole cover to produce it more efficiently......I asked if he would sign it and he did on the inside picture of him on the cover. Then the stage manager came by (he also manages Jackson Browne).......and we talked for awhile.... he later came by with tickets and we had a great night listening to the sounds of our youth.........to think of how I would fantasize about my future listening to Our House......written in 1966........and how my life has turned out......I am hugely surprised at how I love my life and all who fill my house.......even if it is a mini dachshund and not two cats.

Love on the Wrong Side of Town

2011-05-05T07:05:00.002-04:00

Location, location, location......a lesson Glen and I know well......but, sometimes places don't end up what they seem. Every morning for six months I woke up thinking about the space we are packing up and leaving on Cookman Avenue. It seems whatever was driving me has left and drove us to this new space on the ocean in Asbury Park. I do love this building. It was built during the twenties........the back of the building is actually over the ocean. It was designed by the same Architect who designed Union Station in New York City.
Last Sunday we actually had dinner at Aqua and could watch our store......we took turns helping customers. When I first saw the posters above the stores I wished Southside Johnny was above my store........but, we did get to see him perform on Sunday and I am over it. Can't wait for his concert at the Stone Pony on 4th of July weekend.
This is our store before.......and this is the store after..........
It is still a work in progress..........
This is a picture of one of the displays. Since, we make most of our inventory we have been very busy making clocks, bowls, bookends, scrapbooks and greeting cards.............starting Memorial Day weekend we will be open everyday from 10-9 and on weekends......10-10. So, this was about the first lesson relearned in business. LOCATION is more important then anything!!!!!! Next post will be about branding.

Ian's Solo with the Z Band

2011-05-03T10:51:00.003-04:00

It is always worth the trip to Philadelphia to see my children.......even if the car overheated on the way home.........turned into a 4 hour trip home......but, I got this video......so, it was worth it. Glen worked at the store but, will go tonight for another concert. The concert was excellent and I ended the night at Max Brenners with my daughter with a chocolate peanut butter shake in an ice cold alice cup........mmmmmm. I am thankful for my blessings.

Best night ever........God Bless America!!!!

2011-05-02T01:00:00.003-04:00

I feel so blessed tonight......Last night we spent our first night at our store. I had a conservation with my mom on Easter how bagpipes have always played at milestones in Glen's and my life together. We opened our store yesterday and the roller derby was last night.....there were bagpipers and I could hear them....but, then they came to the lobby and played Amazing Grace.........I feel blessed. Tonight we left the store I knew there was a fundraiser for Kevin Kavanaugh.....he is in a coma...he played at Kaylyn and Ian's Christening.......I just learned this year he played with Southside and the Jukes. I really want to go.....but, learn it is sold out.......I emailed......I went at noon.......sold out.....So tonight we close the store.....walk by Wonder Bar.....it's not that crowded.....what the heck....I ask.....can we still get tickets......several people ask if there are tickets......just so happens they can sell 3 tickets and there are 3 of us........we are in......first of all the band who played my Senior Prom play.........then Southside and Bobby Bandiera come out.........they sing the best version of Talk to Me........Gary US Bonds is also singing........then they sing We're Having a Party.......then the announcement....................Bin Laden is dead.................the music stops and then Obama on every tv with surround sound.......jubilation..........God Bless America.....I can not say I never lost faith.....but, I feel complete JOY!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope the spirit of the night reaches Kevin and he comes out of his coma!!!!!!!!! Faith Hope Love................I haven't felt it in a long time......so much appreciation for the brave of our Country..........Navy Seals.................you rock!!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings from Geralyn: Artist Trading Card Party

2011-04-28T09:24:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Geralyn: Artist Trading Card Party: "Woohhhhhhooooooo!!!! Only one blank spot. This was so much fun......a dream come true. I thought it would be fun to take pictures of every..."

Artist Trading Card Party

2011-04-28T08:43:00.002-04:00

Woohhhhhhooooooo!!!! Only one blank spot. This was so much fun......a dream come true.
I thought it would be fun to take pictures of everyone busy making their cards.........we really were busy not able to raise our heads much to get the six cards finished....... Zandra behind the chair....made the dress form card.....each one was dressed differently........love mine!!!!! Debbie made the card on top right corner......she lives down the street and said how much she loves making the ATC's.........and was really the motivator in having a ATC get together. Check out Zandra's blog.....her pictures are much better than mine.
UMmmmmm next time I will include posed pictures.......after looking at these I don't think you can appreciate how cute Jenny and Melissa are from the back and side of their heads..........BUT it does show how seriously we were to finish these cards!!!!! We did take a few seconds to have some pizza......but, time flew by. Jenny and Melissa are sisters and Aaron (Jenny's boyfriend) was there, too. Jenny and Aaron of Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake fame made cupcake cards.....of course!!! Melissa's card has the pink flocked backround with tiny little details like little pearl rings on the little girl's finger. Jenny and Aaron's blog Everyday is a Holiday is a feast for your eyes and your appetite......you can follow their recent ventures to California and their most recent painting of doughnuts.......mmmmmm.
Kimberly Moore made the top card with the two children, gold stars, and daisies on the little bingo card. Kimblerly just finished a special blog to celebrate her 50th birthday.....she did 50 different paintings and collage.....a must see and she has a new zine out. I am so glad to see a dream become a reality and I really appreciate everyone who came together to make that happen!!!!!!! And I have to say it was the BEST day after Easter ever......I think it was because we were living by Jenny and Aaron's motto.........everyday is holiday......celebrate the everyday!!!!!

Featured on Recycleart!!!!

2011-04-20T15:51:00.003-04:00

Our record tree and heart were featured on recycleart......very exciting.....great site.....love the cork chair. We did get a negative comment and found it a little hard to share after I read it, but as a business owner ........you have to take the bad along with the good.......hey, it got 37 likes on facebook!!!! If the link doesn't work there is a new site to the right and you can click on the arrow until our tree is shown. It is a really neat site......lots of unique creativity on recycling.

Big Sale on Earth Day

2011-04-16T16:05:00.001-04:00

This free digital slideshow created with Smilebox

Big Clearance sale on EarthDay April 22 and Saturday April 23!!!!!! Save some gas....Shop Local!!!!!!

Getting Ready

2011-04-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

Getting ready to put together a destash swap.......you can get there from the button on the sidebar.....just click it...........only 2 days left to vote for our recycled clock at Universal Green.....YOU could win a $500 gift certificate to Etsy for taking the time!!!!

Big Sale at Greetings from Geralyn on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23......There will be a table with everything $1 or less.....great for gifts from the Easter Bunny.........and mark your calenders........THE LAST Hurrrrrrrahhhhhh.......A CRAFT PARTY at Greetings from Geralyn on Monday, April 25th.......we will make Artist Trading Cards to trade from 3pm until whenever.....we will have pizza if we get so involved we won't have to worry about dinner! This will be a FREE event and it is to celebrate all of the changes yet to be announced!!!!!..... The more we USE.......the less we move!!!!!!!!

Vote at Green is Universal

2011-04-12T09:22:00.000-04:00

Vote at Green is Universal

2011-04-12T09:14:00.002-04:00

Please Vote.......VOTE HERE!!!

http://www.greenisuniversal-reuse.com/home-decor/upcycled-record-clock

We could win a trip to Universal Studios......You also could be entered into a $500 gift certificate to Etsy. Sometimes it is hard to register.....but, the prize is great for a few minutes of your time......You can vote for your favorite in 5 categories. The link will take you right to the contest, but if you get lost go to page 14 of the Home Decor Section. Good Luck and Thanks!!!!

DeStash Swap

2011-04-07T12:37:00.002-04:00

Perfect timing........Run on over to Swap-Bot for this eazy peazy one on one swap......sign ups end in 4/22/11 Earth Day and the your 6x9 or larger envelope full of your crafting stash needs to be mailed by the end of the month. I jumped at the chance to destash...........So in addition I am going to have a Giveaway to announce in the future......I will fill up another envelope of my stash to mail to a lucky winner. The winner will be announced April 22 also. I will have a picture of the stash when the giveaway officially begins.

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes - Love On The Wrong Side Of Town - 4...

2011-04-06T07:42:00.000-04:00

April includes a record store day and earth day. Since we upcycle records I would like to combine the two into one big celebration. We still have a big sale going on at the store........50% off all of Stonewall Kitchen, Natural Life, and Scrapbooking and Craft supplies.

David Bowie - Changes (Olympia)

2011-03-31T09:24:00.000-04:00

Lots of changes happening here........too soon to officially announce........but, we are clearing out Stonewall Kitchen, Natural Life, Too Good Gourmet and all scrapbooking and crafting supplies..................ALL 50% off at our store.......Greetings from Geralyn 658 Cookman Avenue Asbury Park at The Shoppes at the Arcade!

Andrea Bocelli - Because We Believe

2011-03-26T09:24:00.001-04:00

Like stars across the sky.......we were born to shine..........Some days I watch you tube videos and search for the perfect one to share. It was about the sixth one I saw today. We went to the High School's Musical presentation of A Tale of Two Cities last night. My husband and I enjoyed the plays so much while our children were in them. We decided to keep the tradition......so glad we did. We were blessed to witness the talent of Manasquan High School once more.

Andrea Bocelli - Because We Believe

2011-03-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

2011-03-19T13:10:00.000-04:00

The correct link for The Display Lab

New Window Display

2011-03-19T12:51:00.003-04:00

It is a good day when you won a prize..........and you LOVE it!!!!
Isn't this a great idea for a window display. All you need are 4 scrabble boards......3 for the base.....clipped together with binder clips and one for the top..........thanks to the Display Lab

for this great prize!!!!
I couldn't get an overall picture without a lot of glare......but, this gives you an idea of how it looks. This was a lot of fun to put together. Again thank you for Retail Details for hosting the contest!

Visual Labs Prize Arrived today!

2011-03-17T16:33:00.003-04:00

What a fun prize......thank you Display Lab for the prize and to Retail Details Blog for sponsoring the New Years Window Display Contest. This is going to be so much fun to put togethter and I can't wait to show you when it is all complete. Today was a little crazy. Glen just came to the store to make 16 clocks and my job was to find a space on the wall to display them. I was also able to list 10 items on etsy so I am keeping up with my goals. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!!!

Asbury Park.....Where Music Lives

2011-03-12T06:38:00.002-05:00

Today is the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Smithsonian exhibit of New Harmonies exhibit of roots music of America at the Asbury Park Library at 500 First Avenue.
I went yesterday and couldn't leave without taking pictures of these stained glass windows.
It's the perfect setting for an exciting exhibit visiting Asbury for the next month. We have tickets to the kick off concert at the Paramount in Convention Hall on the boardwalk tomorrow night. Max Weinberg and the E Street Band , Bobby Bandiera who plays with Bon Jovi, Steve Forbert, A Gospel Choir, Chico and his band, Nicky Addeo(we were close to having him for our wedding band).....lots of local music history makers here and always the chance for some surprises. Steve Forbert also is displaying his photographs across the street in a gallery on Cookman Avenue. Looking forward to also getting to see the Historical Society's exhibit of Asbury Park influence downstairs in the building where my shop is located. So, it should be another fun weekend in Asbury Park!

Dress Form Giveaway

2011-03-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

I have met a lot of nice people since I opened my shoppe in Asbury Park and Cheryl is one of them. Cheryl has antiques and her handmade treasures at a shop in Red Bank. I love her blog because she shares what she is making and is a hostess with the mostest. She has had some awesome craft parties......very dreamy! The more you share this giveaway the more chances you have to win.........so.......run don't walk to Cheryl's blog: nouveaux-portmanteau and enter and if you care..................please share (some people don't like to share.......because they have less of a chance...........) but, this contest like mine it gives you more chances to win........so GOOD LUCK.......but, I hope I win.....fingers and toes crossed!!!!!

Greetings from.............vintage postcards

2011-03-08T11:47:00.003-05:00

Greetings
from
Geralyn...........selling my vintage postcard collection......they are $3.oo each or 4 for $10.00....sort of hard to do but, I am focusing on Asbury Park cards and upcycling vintage records. I always wanted to do some design using these cards.....but, I think in order to move forward I have to let go of some things to get there. Also all the scrapbooking supplies are 50% off. Again, I am focusing on where we are successful at the store. I won't be reordering or focusing on craft classes in the future. We are really enjoying the vintage vinyl aspect of the store and that is where are focus will be. So, if you haven't been to the store for scrapbooking supplies yet.......you might want to see what I have before it get wipes out.

The Winner of the Chairy full of Mary

2011-03-07T16:24:00.002-05:00

Congratulations Nancy from Silly Stiching blog. You are the winner of the giveaway. It was random, but you had the most chances to win.......you even emailed me! Thank you for all playing along. It was really fun. There were a couple of days I really needed those quotes.......a couple of them made my day!!!!

w

2011-03-07T16:22:00.003-05:00

2011-03-07T16:22:00.001-05:00

A Chairy full of Mary Giveaway

2011-02-24T20:24:00.003-05:00

Home is Where the Heart Is Tote Bag.....Home Companion Book.....Outdoor Companion Book...Crafts to Decorate Your Home......Tis The Season Holiday Cookbook.....August/September Home Companion Magazine 2008.....Plate?What? Cookies for Me.....2 Mugs...No Kidding Milk too?...Teapot tin......Cherry Tissues....Scottie rubber stamp....needle set....flower applique........This could all be yours......Leave a comment telling me your favorite Mary Engelbreit quote.....for a second chance become a follower......for a third chance like my Greetings from Geralyn page on facebook and write down your favorite quote on my wall and for a fourth chance please share my giveaway on your blog or facebook page.

If you are a new reader--welcome to Greetings from Geralyn. I am celebrating my 300th post. I can't think of anyone else I admire more than Mary Engelbreit. When I turned 40 my birthday present was to take my 8 year old daughter to FAO Schwarz to buy an Ann Estelle Doll and get it signed by Mary Engelbreit. I also had my daughter color a picture for Mary to give to her. While we stood in line I explained how much guts Mary Engelbreit has. I explained how I loved to draw, but I never had the guts to become a professional Artist. I said you are so lucky to get to meet a living breathing person who gets to make a living by creating Art. I explained how Mary had an identifying style and how she includes quotes who inspire many people. My favorite quote is BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED.......I can't wait to read all of yours. I will draw a winner on Monday, March 7, 2011.

Ready for the Weekend

2011-02-19T07:39:00.002-05:00

I have never suffered from Blog Block before. I am usually fueled by comments and my every day comings and goings. I think I have so much going on it is a little hard to focus. Glen has both the children's rooms painted and trimmed and my job is to get them dusted and vacummed. I think I am going to do this before I go to the store......I don't...... then all day at the store I think I will when I get home....... I don't. I am a little hard on myself. It is not that I don't want to do it......it is how it makes me feel. It is pitiful how sad I get......I find a picture......or a ticket.......or a hand written note.........I have such good memories........why is it so sad? Well, any way I get lot done while I am at the store. I am listing items on etsy much more frequently then I thought I would. I am joining etsy teams to be involved in. I get to see Ian this weekend and that always makes my day to see my child. I keep looking at this picture and the Beatles..........aren't their suits amazing? I love Ringo's pink jacket. Well.....my hope is this weekend to have a busy time at the store and Monday and Tuesday.......get this house in order and off my back. If I just get it done.......it is not a worry.......I'll keep telling myself that.....for now.....I won't post again until it is done........Hopefully I'll be posting Tuesday night!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

The store is usually closed today........but, I am going to open from 12-5. Just in case I can save the day
for anyone who just realized it is Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Greetings from.............

2011-02-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

This is what is keeping me busy lately......It took me a couple of days to make these cards. Now, I will be taking pictures to share in my etsy shop. Valentines weekend is this weekend......are you doing anything special?

Perfume Ad Flowers

2011-02-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

Perfume Ad Flowers

I just realized I am an official upcycler. My crafts all my life have mostly

involved making something from something I already have on hand. I saw this

on NBC today and was so excited to share. I didn't really start buying art supplies

until I studied Art in college and ever since I felt I had to make a trip to the local

store to get supplies to make my latest creation. But, now that we are upcycling records and I

make cards from old postcard graphics...I realize how good it feels. I don't think

I qualify as a hoarder but I save everything that evokes memories or I just think

is pretty. It brings back memories.......we lived on the same block as a printer. I

used to go on a sunny afternoon to see what paper they were throwing away......if

it was that shiny paper that magic markers just flowed on and dried quickly I did

a happy dance and ran all the way home to get started on my latest drawing and yes,

sometimes it was a card for my Mom and Dad.

Etsy Success Symposium

2011-02-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Glen and I took the train and attended the Etsy Success Symposuim and all expectations were met and then some. My favorite speaker was Noah Scalin who spoke on Generating Creative Energy. He has a great blog which I will put on my sidebar soon. You have to check it out. We saw slides of how he made a different skull everyday for a year and documented it. His blog is now full of everyone continuing on with that inspiration. The blog is called makesomething365.......our excercise above was to think of a shape and make ten different shapes using different materials.....fun. Mine was the record and my neighbor was Andrea Cammarata who chose hearts as her shape. Together we put it together to pledge our love for rock n roll. It was a pleasure sharing the Symposium with Andrea because she is a living breathing SUCCESS on Etsy.
All the speakers were professional and inspirational,the keynote speaker was Nancy Soriano who put together the event with Jo Packham: The Creative Connection. And her page in the workbook proposed my favorite question......."What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?".
Etsy was excited to show off their new space.......it is located near the Brooklyn Bridge. The room we were in had a photobooth and we were all invited to get our picture taken.
And this is what went home with.........the designer of the bag (black with pink) was in attendence. If you couldn't attend please use the sidebar for videos of the event.....I will be viewing all the videos this week. And, I didn't cover everything so I will probably be posting again about this wonderful event.

A little bit of NYC

2011-02-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

Ended up in Eataly in NYC.........the only thing in NYC I have been wishing to visit lately.......and I turned my head and it was right in front of me..........what a great experience.........he is is stirring melted cheese.....................mmmmmm. Check out the white marble walls......it is a place full of the sights.....smells......tastes.......and even sounds of Italy........Most of the customers at the time of my visit were Italian........sipping espresso with big smiles.....it was a wonderful visit!!!
I found these cookies there..... imported from Italy and they have my maiden name Stelle......what a find....scooped up a bag for my mom and my dad's sister!
Helloooo.....I think this would probably be the nicest Home Depot in the world......who knew???? The facade of this building is stunning!!!!
I went to the city for an interview.............don't ask..............haven't heard anything yet......but, I LOVE opportunities......so no matter what.......it was a great day!!!!!
My favorite building and my favorite animal all in one shot.....Notice the snow........the train ride to and from the city was one of my favorites. I didn't read anything.....just looked out the window.......the snow was beautiful and I saw a lot of deer. It was a great day in the big city!!!!

Excited about Etsy

2011-01-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

Well opening up the shop in Asbury Park is exciting......now with the winter months and everyone hunkered down for the winter....it was time to open another shoppe! So today was spent making all the listings for our Etsy shoppe......Saturday I took all the pictures.......and now I am working on sharing the shop virtually and getting it seen on the internet. So, first I saw the meetup with info below on etsy and that should be fun......2/3 we'll be making cards and sending them to etsy for them to share with meals on wheels. Then when I saw this symposium and it was like an answered prayer. We have so many questions about copyrights.......social media.....pricing.....setting up shop......walllahhhh.....a Symposium...a great motivator and information feast and we get fed......AND it is on a Tuesday!!!! Perfect!!!!! Yesterday they had 22 seats....after we signed up today there are just 7 seats left. If you want info about the event please click on Symposium or the picture above. I can't wait...I want to see about letterpress studios in Brooklyn while I am there too.......can't wait!!!!

Special Delivery: Share Your Love 2011

2011-01-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

Thursday, February 3, 2011 Greetings from Geralyn will be joining with Etsy to supply Valentines to New Yorkers through Meals on Wheels. We'll be making Valentines. The meetup starts at 7pm......and we'll have chocolate, of course!!!! I also have some Valentine

decorations to hand out to whoever comes out to make Valentine's that night. I will donate all the supplies......the only thing you may need is your favorite adhesive.

And the beat goes on............

2011-01-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Celebrate......good times......yeah!!!! Proud to announce Greetings From Geralyn is the second place winner in Retail Details New Years Display Contest!!!!!
And the beat goes on............
Proud to share Glen's latest creation.......we took these pictures last night....I'll share some pictures of the store lit up....but, I like the look of the heart against the dark.

Inspiration is everywhere........

2011-01-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

Another view of a Tiffany window............the post below from a blog...........a husband loading the car with a new creation for the window at the store............watching CBS Morning Show.....and watching a piece on New Jersey...........winning second prize in The Retail Details New Years Contest............I woke up this morning content and ready to put a new display up in the window. But, what's funny is my husband is doing most of it. The space we are in and the customers have really inspired him. He has gotten a lot of positive feedback on his record tree and was inspired to do a love themed window for Valentine's Day. I have spent the week making cards....inspired by what customers ask for and I don't have. I have made probably 30 different cards. I have ideas swirling........funny I have probably 100 envelopes and no cards left......I must make a lot of mistakes!!!! So, I will be off to Michael's and put some blinders on and just get some cards. I hope you have an inspirational day!!!!!!

Cat on a Limb: Paper, String and Branches - Bird Mobile with Temp...

2011-01-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

Cat on a Limb: Paper, String and Branches - Bird Mobile with Temp...: "A while back I received a Target mailer with coupons for baby items, but I was very intrigued by the picture on the front of the mailer.&nbs..."

Lucky Day + Snow = Snowy Day

2011-01-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday the pictures for 4 stores were posted on retail details facebook page......if you are on facebook.....please like my store......and share. You can find the link on my profile or you can like the retails details page. I really loved all the props they sent and it was fun to use them. I was inpsired to make some new jounals. They are on the top center. They are old postcards of Asbury Park with music notes overlayed on top. This is because the theme for Asbury Park is where music lives.
This window features the clocks, bowls and bookends that my husband Glen makes out of record albums. They kept him super busy over the holidays.........every Saturday the wall would be full of clocks and every Sunday was spent replenishing the wall.
I couldn't move the tree out of the window so we made it a little more festive to help ring in the new year.
Yesterday was 1/11/11......was it lucky for anyone? I did buy a win for life scratch off ticket but I haven't played it yet......waiting for the right moment. Well.......we did get some snow....but, nothing like last week's storm... The media was crazy with this one.....calling it a weather bomb........it was 6" of icey yuckiness.......I am going to outside soon to get to the store today by noon. I want to thank Retail Details for sponsoring this fun contest. I love the chandelier, top hat, clock and word clings sent by MidWest. The prizes for this contest are from Gully's and the Display Lab.....and Country Business magazine promoted the contest.

Sneek Peek

2011-01-07T06:55:00.000-05:00

After props for New Years Contest
Before the contest......this was so much fun. I will show pictures of all the windows when I can include all the links. This will be after First Saturday tomorrow. I have been busy all week replenishing goods. Some our homemade and some are orders that arrived this week. Today is the first of the last 3 days of all greeting cards for $1 each. Next week all the empty shelves will be replaced with new cards. It's nice to have all of this newness this time of year!!!!