2007 Blog Archive
2007 Blog Archive
What I know now- December 16, 2007
When I was a little girl, I remember my Dad taking my brother, Matthew and I to the big city of Lake Geneva to buy my Mom her Christmas gift. I grew up in the small town of Williams Bay, which is only about 10 minutes away from Lake Geneva. Back then it seemed quite a distance to me and we only traveled there for something that was really important. We finished dinner and my dad told my mom that he just needed to go out and do some errands. My brother and I were so excited that he was including us in this big secret!
As we were traveling on Highway 50 into Lake Geneva, I began to see the lights. As you near town, the double lane highway narrows down to Main Street. The houses along this street were decorated with beautiful lights and the street lamps adorned with holiday decorations welcomed visitors into town. We’re almost there, I thought to myself. My eyes grew bigger as I we drove past all of the storefronts that sparkled in the evening darkness.
My dad drove up in front of McCullough’s pharmacy, which I thought was the fanciest store in town. They had garlands hanging from their awnings and Christmas decorations and gifts inside that I dreamed of having someday. My brother and I jumped out of the car and followed my dad into the store and right to the perfume counter. He asked the lady for a bottle of Channel # 5. Wow, I thought to myself, Daddy is really buying Mom something very special.
The lady asked my dad if he would like it gift wrapped and of course he said yes. The three of us stood there watching the lady cut that shinny gold wrapping paper that soon would be around my mom’s gift. She creased the paper perfectly so there were no imperfections on the ends, and then put the finishing touch of a bright red ribbon around the gift. I couldn’t wait for Christmas morning to come so I could watch my dad present this beautiful gift to my mom. My mom beamed with love and appreciation of receiving this gift from my dad. I can still smell that smell in my mind of my mom wearing that wonderful perfume, only on special occasions of course.
What I know now…
First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your support. The kind words that I have received of your understanding, that I need to “take a break” has been very comforting. The tears, cards, hugs and flowers have all been placed in my heart. Your concerns for my health and well wishes for my family have been gratefully received.
What I know now…
As I said in the last letter, making the decision to close Katydids was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. As the days of November 17th, the original closing date came closer; I knew that I didn’t want to close. My stress fractures in my feet were healing, my spirits were up and we still had plenty of merchandise. I thought a good compromise would be for me to take some much needed time off so that I could be home and prepare for the holidays, and than open Katydids the latter part of the week so I could get my retail “fix”. Remember, one of the reasons for taking this break is so I can find a balance of family and running my own business. This seems to be working pretty well.
What I know now…
Back in the days when I was a “stay-at-home” mom, that’s what, and all that I knew. I kept very busy with the kids, cleaning, cooking and volunteering. I did floral arranging during nap time and after the kids went to bed. That was something that I loved and it “filled” my needs to be a woman, and helped me step out of the role of a mom.
I have enjoyed being “closed” for a few days a week…kind of. When I have been home, I thought that I would have been more productive, but I wasn’t. I am a very goal driven person, and the goal of picking up around the house and doing laundry just isn’t what I had in mind. I have finally accepted the fact that I have Fibromyalgia, and that I need to stay busy so that the aches don’t consume me which can then cause me to become “down in the dumps”. When I have been “off”, my mind has been focused on how bad I feel rather than what I need to get done for the day. In fact, I have learned that I am more productive around the home when I am working, rather than “being home”.
What I know now…
The Friday night of our Open House, just before it was time to close, a lady came in with who I am assuming was her granddaughter. Jill, Theresa and I were all at the front desk. Of course, we all said hello to our visitors. A few minutes passed, and then I asked if there was anything that I could help her with. She replied, “Oh, no thank you, I just bring her in here every year to see your beautiful Christmas trees.” The girls and I all looked at each other and I thought we were all going to begin crying at the same time. At that very moment, it took me back to the memory that I shared with you of my Christmas trip to Lake Geneva. How can I close, when this lady wants to bring this little girl to Katydids every year to see the beautiful decorations? There is something very magical about the store during this time of year that so many of you love, including myself and my girls.
What I have ALWAYS known and now has been confirmed…
Katydids is my ministry. I have always known that. God has granted me many wonderful gifts and I know that He wants me to use them. I truly believe, that God allows us to struggle once in awhile so that we can grow to become stronger people and keep our eyes to Him. There is no question that I have had many struggles this past year. I have been “broken” in many different ways, and now I am taking what I have learned to better myself.
I know many of you come to Katydids for many different reasons and that the store has never been all about the merchandise and it certainly has never been about a paycheck for me, because there is not much left after everything has been paid. I do what I do because I love to make people happy. I am at Katydids so that I can be creatively fed and I am at the store to put a smile on someone’s face that has come in for “a dose of Katydids”.
What I am doing now…
I am continuing to trust God and listen to what He wants me to do. I am putting the needs of my family and myself before the store. I am drinking milk and taking calcium pills so my feet don’t break again…I hope all of you are getting plenty of calcium too! I am going to Atlanta for the gift show in January to research things for the future Katydids. I am staying open for limited days of the week through the end of March when the lease is up. And most of all, I am sending you a huge thank you for your support!
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and that you and yours are blessed with good health and much happiness 2008!
With gratitude,
Katie
Autumn- November 5, 2007
As a child I was never a big fan of Thanksgiving Day. I didn’t care for the traditional dinner and watching football all day wasn’t my cup of tea. I guess you could say that I just didn’t understand and appreciate the holiday. I’m glad that as we grow older our thoughts and pallets mature. I now love this holiday and savor the season that it is in.
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. The first hints of the trees beginning to change colors excites me as though I was a kid in a candy store. I knew then that the fall production was about to begin. The temperatures begin to quietly set the stage for the grand entrance of Jack Frost. The sweaters and turtlenecks come out after being tucked away in cedar chests, and are happy to provide me with the warmth and comfort that I love. Cornstalks and pumpkins began to adorn porches and lampposts. Indian corn and Halloween wreaths on front doors welcome the little ghosts and goblins dressed in their costumes that come trick-or-treating.
I have always said that if I had a daughter, that her name would have been Autumn. Well, that didn’t happen, but that name IS in my family. It belongs to my Dad’s beloved Chesapeake Bay retriever. Every time I hear that word, I just think of the all of the beautiful colors, fragrances, and bountiful offerings this season brings.
It troubles me that society, encouraged by the retail world, seems to skip right over this time of year by starting the Christmas season much too early. The biggest shopping day of the year always began AFTER Thanksgiving Day. Now, Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is interrupted by the temptations to run off to the mall or Wal-mart to get those super deals that they are offering on this holiday.
I know that we have our Christmas decorations set up at Katydids, but I am encouraging you to enjoy the time that we are in right now. Take that drive in the country and notice all of the beauty that God has created. Enjoy a walk and listen to the leaves and acorns crunching under your feet. Bite into a freshly picked apple and let the juice run down your chin. And most of all, be THANKFUL for all that you have
Coffee-October 29, 2007
I have a very strict morning routine enforced by Cole Weber and Oliver, my doggies. The doggies know this routine simply as “coffee”. I have always been a morning person and I guess my dogs have inherited that trait as well. I find it amazing that every single morning they get up at 5:24 on the dot! Sometimes I think that they are anxious to go to bed at night just so “coffee” will get here that much sooner. Their routine is so simple. We get up and they go outside to do “potties” while I make a pot of coffee. They race to the door knowing that they are going to receive their first treat of the day. The three of us head to the bathroom as I wash up. (This takes me back many years to when my kids were little and they needed to be with me in the bathroom as well. Do moms ever get alone time in the bathroom?) As soon as Cole hears me put the top on my Chapstick he jumps up and heads to the kitchen as he knows that I get MY first treat of the day, coffee! Then the day begins…
There is a mad dash to the patio door to see who gets outside first. Usually it is Cole as he is my “die hard” Frisbee dog. Oliver is next as he considers Cole his play toy to chase. Then it is my turn. I take my place on the edge of the stoop as it is a clear path to the backyard which is very important for throwing the Frisbee. We like to spend much time outside in the morning, although it is becoming shorter and shorter as it is getting colder out there. Lately, I have been the one getting up first. My internal clock has been going off at 4:34. I am the one that is more excited about “coffee” time. I think that this is even too early for the doggies to get up, but they do. I am so anxious to get my day started and see how quickly I can get into Katydids.
I love being at the shop in the morning. The lights are dimmed, and the music is playing. This is the time of day that I am most creative and get the most done. We have been working very hard to get all of the holiday décor out and set up. I thought I was doing pretty well until a customer mentioned to me that it was just two more months until Christmas. YIKES! Now if I would be paying attention to my calendar instead of checking in merchandise, setting up holiday vignettes, making floral arrangements, taking out garbage, driving kids to their activities, trying to put a few of my own fall decorations out, and of course playing Frisbee with my doggies, I would have realized that. (I also would have realized that my son Blake had an orthodontist appointment last week that we missed. Oops, sorry Dr. Davies.)
Many stores that I have been in have had their holiday merchandise out for weeks, some have even had it out for months. We at Katydids are always a little behind schedule of the rest of the retail world. That’s okay. I have enjoyed being busy with our “so long for now sale” and chatting with all of you that have been coming in. Since we are a bit behind schedule I need another week before our open house. I’m sorry about the change, but I would like it to be wonderful for all of you. I guess it is a good thing that I have been getting up so early as I need as many hours in the day as possible. Well, I must close as my doggies are waiting for another round of Frisbee and me another cup of coffee before I leave for another exciting day at Katydids.
Thank you-October 16, 2007
Please overlook any incorrect spelling or fragments in sentences as I write from the heart, and when I’m on a roll all rules of grammar go out the door....
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Well, by now the news has circulated around southeastern Wisconsin with the news of Katydids closing, or which I like to phrase it as “taking a break.” When I took the box of letters to the post office I was terrified as it made my decision such a reality. As stated in my letter, this was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. I would just like to say thank you to ALL of you for understanding and respecting my decision.
I must tell you since the release of this news I feel like a new person. I have often referred as “wearing a mask” when times are tough. I never want anyone to know if I am having a bad day or that I am down in the dumps. Many of you know me oh so well and asked if I was okay. Of course I replied that “I am fine.” When in reality I was not. Contemplating the thought of closing Katydids was a burden that I have carried around on my shoulders for the last eight months. I’m sure that you can imagine how free I feel now. Hearing from many of you that you too have gone through tough times, and needed to take a break is reassuring to me that this was the right decision. Thank you for your support.
Back in January when I was ordering merchandise for the holidays, I wanted it to be spectacular since it was going to be our 5th Christmas at Katydids. I was saddened, knowing that things were going to be different by not having our traditional open house. Then I began to think…
This WILL BE our BEST holiday season ever! As much as I liked closing the store for three days to create the unveiling of the holiday merchandise, it was totally exhausting!!! This year I am not participating in the American Cancer Society Fantasy House, maybe I’ll do it next year. Again, as much as I enjoyed supporting that charity, it took time away from decorating Katydids the way I truly wanted it to be. This year, I HAVE TIME, to do what I want to do!
I am busy creating beautiful winter wreaths, centerpieces and swags to adorn your home. This is something that I have never had the time to offer and have an abundance of. I will also be offering impressive, yet easy ideas, for decorating your table for holiday entertaining.
I’m sure you are wondering how I am going to offer all of this if I am closing on the 17th of November. I am actually toying with the idea of being open on Fridays and Saturdays beyond the 17th. As long as I am still paying rent and have inventory, why not?! Being closed for the other five days of the week gives me time to rest my feet, and take care of family needs. Don’t worry; I’m not pushing myself too hard. As I have shared with many of you, this break will be good for me. I will have time now to share with you the many creative ideas that I have wanted to do but didn’t have the energy.
Stay tuned. The best is yet to come!
Katie
As we were traveling on Highway 50 into Lake Geneva, I began to see the lights. As you near town, the double lane highway narrows down to Main Street. The houses along this street were decorated with beautiful lights and the street lamps adorned with holiday decorations welcomed visitors into town. We’re almost there, I thought to myself. My eyes grew bigger as I we drove past all of the storefronts that sparkled in the evening darkness.
My dad drove up in front of McCullough’s pharmacy, which I thought was the fanciest store in town. They had garlands hanging from their awnings and Christmas decorations and gifts inside that I dreamed of having someday. My brother and I jumped out of the car and followed my dad into the store and right to the perfume counter. He asked the lady for a bottle of Channel # 5. Wow, I thought to myself, Daddy is really buying Mom something very special.
The lady asked my dad if he would like it gift wrapped and of course he said yes. The three of us stood there watching the lady cut that shinny gold wrapping paper that soon would be around my mom’s gift. She creased the paper perfectly so there were no imperfections on the ends, and then put the finishing touch of a bright red ribbon around the gift. I couldn’t wait for Christmas morning to come so I could watch my dad present this beautiful gift to my mom. My mom beamed with love and appreciation of receiving this gift from my dad. I can still smell that smell in my mind of my mom wearing that wonderful perfume, only on special occasions of course.
What I know now…
First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your support. The kind words that I have received of your understanding, that I need to “take a break” has been very comforting. The tears, cards, hugs and flowers have all been placed in my heart. Your concerns for my health and well wishes for my family have been gratefully received.
What I know now…
As I said in the last letter, making the decision to close Katydids was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. As the days of November 17th, the original closing date came closer; I knew that I didn’t want to close. My stress fractures in my feet were healing, my spirits were up and we still had plenty of merchandise. I thought a good compromise would be for me to take some much needed time off so that I could be home and prepare for the holidays, and than open Katydids the latter part of the week so I could get my retail “fix”. Remember, one of the reasons for taking this break is so I can find a balance of family and running my own business. This seems to be working pretty well.
What I know now…
Back in the days when I was a “stay-at-home” mom, that’s what, and all that I knew. I kept very busy with the kids, cleaning, cooking and volunteering. I did floral arranging during nap time and after the kids went to bed. That was something that I loved and it “filled” my needs to be a woman, and helped me step out of the role of a mom.
I have enjoyed being “closed” for a few days a week…kind of. When I have been home, I thought that I would have been more productive, but I wasn’t. I am a very goal driven person, and the goal of picking up around the house and doing laundry just isn’t what I had in mind. I have finally accepted the fact that I have Fibromyalgia, and that I need to stay busy so that the aches don’t consume me which can then cause me to become “down in the dumps”. When I have been “off”, my mind has been focused on how bad I feel rather than what I need to get done for the day. In fact, I have learned that I am more productive around the home when I am working, rather than “being home”.
What I know now…
The Friday night of our Open House, just before it was time to close, a lady came in with who I am assuming was her granddaughter. Jill, Theresa and I were all at the front desk. Of course, we all said hello to our visitors. A few minutes passed, and then I asked if there was anything that I could help her with. She replied, “Oh, no thank you, I just bring her in here every year to see your beautiful Christmas trees.” The girls and I all looked at each other and I thought we were all going to begin crying at the same time. At that very moment, it took me back to the memory that I shared with you of my Christmas trip to Lake Geneva. How can I close, when this lady wants to bring this little girl to Katydids every year to see the beautiful decorations? There is something very magical about the store during this time of year that so many of you love, including myself and my girls.
What I have ALWAYS known and now has been confirmed…
Katydids is my ministry. I have always known that. God has granted me many wonderful gifts and I know that He wants me to use them. I truly believe, that God allows us to struggle once in awhile so that we can grow to become stronger people and keep our eyes to Him. There is no question that I have had many struggles this past year. I have been “broken” in many different ways, and now I am taking what I have learned to better myself.
I know many of you come to Katydids for many different reasons and that the store has never been all about the merchandise and it certainly has never been about a paycheck for me, because there is not much left after everything has been paid. I do what I do because I love to make people happy. I am at Katydids so that I can be creatively fed and I am at the store to put a smile on someone’s face that has come in for “a dose of Katydids”.
What I am doing now…
I am continuing to trust God and listen to what He wants me to do. I am putting the needs of my family and myself before the store. I am drinking milk and taking calcium pills so my feet don’t break again…I hope all of you are getting plenty of calcium too! I am going to Atlanta for the gift show in January to research things for the future Katydids. I am staying open for limited days of the week through the end of March when the lease is up. And most of all, I am sending you a huge thank you for your support!
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and that you and yours are blessed with good health and much happiness 2008!
With gratitude,
Katie
Autumn- November 5, 2007
As a child I was never a big fan of Thanksgiving Day. I didn’t care for the traditional dinner and watching football all day wasn’t my cup of tea. I guess you could say that I just didn’t understand and appreciate the holiday. I’m glad that as we grow older our thoughts and pallets mature. I now love this holiday and savor the season that it is in.
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. The first hints of the trees beginning to change colors excites me as though I was a kid in a candy store. I knew then that the fall production was about to begin. The temperatures begin to quietly set the stage for the grand entrance of Jack Frost. The sweaters and turtlenecks come out after being tucked away in cedar chests, and are happy to provide me with the warmth and comfort that I love. Cornstalks and pumpkins began to adorn porches and lampposts. Indian corn and Halloween wreaths on front doors welcome the little ghosts and goblins dressed in their costumes that come trick-or-treating.
I have always said that if I had a daughter, that her name would have been Autumn. Well, that didn’t happen, but that name IS in my family. It belongs to my Dad’s beloved Chesapeake Bay retriever. Every time I hear that word, I just think of the all of the beautiful colors, fragrances, and bountiful offerings this season brings.
It troubles me that society, encouraged by the retail world, seems to skip right over this time of year by starting the Christmas season much too early. The biggest shopping day of the year always began AFTER Thanksgiving Day. Now, Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is interrupted by the temptations to run off to the mall or Wal-mart to get those super deals that they are offering on this holiday.
I know that we have our Christmas decorations set up at Katydids, but I am encouraging you to enjoy the time that we are in right now. Take that drive in the country and notice all of the beauty that God has created. Enjoy a walk and listen to the leaves and acorns crunching under your feet. Bite into a freshly picked apple and let the juice run down your chin. And most of all, be THANKFUL for all that you have
Coffee-October 29, 2007
I have a very strict morning routine enforced by Cole Weber and Oliver, my doggies. The doggies know this routine simply as “coffee”. I have always been a morning person and I guess my dogs have inherited that trait as well. I find it amazing that every single morning they get up at 5:24 on the dot! Sometimes I think that they are anxious to go to bed at night just so “coffee” will get here that much sooner. Their routine is so simple. We get up and they go outside to do “potties” while I make a pot of coffee. They race to the door knowing that they are going to receive their first treat of the day. The three of us head to the bathroom as I wash up. (This takes me back many years to when my kids were little and they needed to be with me in the bathroom as well. Do moms ever get alone time in the bathroom?) As soon as Cole hears me put the top on my Chapstick he jumps up and heads to the kitchen as he knows that I get MY first treat of the day, coffee! Then the day begins…
There is a mad dash to the patio door to see who gets outside first. Usually it is Cole as he is my “die hard” Frisbee dog. Oliver is next as he considers Cole his play toy to chase. Then it is my turn. I take my place on the edge of the stoop as it is a clear path to the backyard which is very important for throwing the Frisbee. We like to spend much time outside in the morning, although it is becoming shorter and shorter as it is getting colder out there. Lately, I have been the one getting up first. My internal clock has been going off at 4:34. I am the one that is more excited about “coffee” time. I think that this is even too early for the doggies to get up, but they do. I am so anxious to get my day started and see how quickly I can get into Katydids.
I love being at the shop in the morning. The lights are dimmed, and the music is playing. This is the time of day that I am most creative and get the most done. We have been working very hard to get all of the holiday décor out and set up. I thought I was doing pretty well until a customer mentioned to me that it was just two more months until Christmas. YIKES! Now if I would be paying attention to my calendar instead of checking in merchandise, setting up holiday vignettes, making floral arrangements, taking out garbage, driving kids to their activities, trying to put a few of my own fall decorations out, and of course playing Frisbee with my doggies, I would have realized that. (I also would have realized that my son Blake had an orthodontist appointment last week that we missed. Oops, sorry Dr. Davies.)
Many stores that I have been in have had their holiday merchandise out for weeks, some have even had it out for months. We at Katydids are always a little behind schedule of the rest of the retail world. That’s okay. I have enjoyed being busy with our “so long for now sale” and chatting with all of you that have been coming in. Since we are a bit behind schedule I need another week before our open house. I’m sorry about the change, but I would like it to be wonderful for all of you. I guess it is a good thing that I have been getting up so early as I need as many hours in the day as possible. Well, I must close as my doggies are waiting for another round of Frisbee and me another cup of coffee before I leave for another exciting day at Katydids.
Thank you-October 16, 2007
Please overlook any incorrect spelling or fragments in sentences as I write from the heart, and when I’m on a roll all rules of grammar go out the door....
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Well, by now the news has circulated around southeastern Wisconsin with the news of Katydids closing, or which I like to phrase it as “taking a break.” When I took the box of letters to the post office I was terrified as it made my decision such a reality. As stated in my letter, this was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. I would just like to say thank you to ALL of you for understanding and respecting my decision.
I must tell you since the release of this news I feel like a new person. I have often referred as “wearing a mask” when times are tough. I never want anyone to know if I am having a bad day or that I am down in the dumps. Many of you know me oh so well and asked if I was okay. Of course I replied that “I am fine.” When in reality I was not. Contemplating the thought of closing Katydids was a burden that I have carried around on my shoulders for the last eight months. I’m sure that you can imagine how free I feel now. Hearing from many of you that you too have gone through tough times, and needed to take a break is reassuring to me that this was the right decision. Thank you for your support.
Back in January when I was ordering merchandise for the holidays, I wanted it to be spectacular since it was going to be our 5th Christmas at Katydids. I was saddened, knowing that things were going to be different by not having our traditional open house. Then I began to think…
This WILL BE our BEST holiday season ever! As much as I liked closing the store for three days to create the unveiling of the holiday merchandise, it was totally exhausting!!! This year I am not participating in the American Cancer Society Fantasy House, maybe I’ll do it next year. Again, as much as I enjoyed supporting that charity, it took time away from decorating Katydids the way I truly wanted it to be. This year, I HAVE TIME, to do what I want to do!
I am busy creating beautiful winter wreaths, centerpieces and swags to adorn your home. This is something that I have never had the time to offer and have an abundance of. I will also be offering impressive, yet easy ideas, for decorating your table for holiday entertaining.
I’m sure you are wondering how I am going to offer all of this if I am closing on the 17th of November. I am actually toying with the idea of being open on Fridays and Saturdays beyond the 17th. As long as I am still paying rent and have inventory, why not?! Being closed for the other five days of the week gives me time to rest my feet, and take care of family needs. Don’t worry; I’m not pushing myself too hard. As I have shared with many of you, this break will be good for me. I will have time now to share with you the many creative ideas that I have wanted to do but didn’t have the energy.
Stay tuned. The best is yet to come!
Katie