A Family Night

Yesterday, when it was time to close it became really trying. I don't think I am even able to write about one of our customers right now! Yes, that is how very difficult she really was and on top of it all, we got held up at the store until about 5:30 because of her need to be special. As I'm driving home, it happened again. Another damn accident! I got stuck in traffic on Friday night and couldn't believe it was happening again on a Saturday when there "should" be NO traffic! People, slow down and learn to drive! So when Katie called and wanted to know if Riley could come over to swim, I just kept thinking how tired I was. But then I realized, what better way to brighten my day than with my family! So, I'm giving you a warning. This entire post is selfishly about my family, those that fill my heart with love each day! Riley got a wetsuit at Costco yesterday and wanted to try it out in my pool. And my pool has no heater, the weather here hasn't been that warm so it was the perfect time for it. Plus, her and Morgan hadn't seen each other for awhile, so they were able to play together for a bit as well.







Little Bo slept through most of the activity, as you see him here strapped in his car seat ready to leave. I don't know how those of you that live away from your little grandbabies and family do it. There are days you probably hear us arguing with each other at Country Roads, but I have to say, we are a pretty tight little family. Brande was especially missed last night. I remember one of the times she was flying out again, Riley and I had taken her to the airport. After I dropped Brande off, Riley said, "I'm sad, I don't want Brande to go"! Brande is still out on the road with Lilith Fair and pretty soon Arcade Fire. She definitely was missed last night, that's for sure and we hope she will be home soon!!

The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family. ~Lee Iacocca

Mike, The Guy With the Smile!

When I first met Mike, I noticed his smile. He is just one of these people that are just nice with a smile to match. Then, I started watching as he began setting up his displays, and continues to. I am in awe of all the awesome stuff he has! If you look closely at the "HOLD" tag on the cool vintage sign above, you may notice the name on it is the same as my name! What can I say, I couldn't resist! Here are just a few more photos of some really cool stuff that Mike has been bringing in this past week!






Earlier this week, I think I mentioned that we've been really mixing things up at Country Roads. Dealers have moved to different areas, displays have been completely re-done and the store looks amazingly awesome right now. If you are in the mood to shop this week-end, I would definitely stop by. We are lookin' good as is Mike, the guy with the smile!

My Summer Vacation

For those of you that live locally, I'm sure you remember Heard's Gardens. I think Tim even built some outdoor structures there a very long time ago. Mary Lou Heard was this tiny woman with a passion for gardening! She died way before her time several years ago. And what better way to honor someone, especially a gardener, than to name a rose after her! I remember hearing about the rose, and then finding it years ago at a local nursery, H & H, not far from my house. I haven't had much time to work in my garden this summer. I did, however, a few weeks ago quickly trim back some of my roses. And this morning when I went out to pick up my morning newspapers that I won't have time to read, my Mary Lou roses were in full bloom. I always try to take time in my life to notice the little things, the small things that mean the most. And my roses this morning were just what I needed to start my day. Remember when you were a kid and school was out, and you had a job for the summer? That is what I'm kind of doing right now. With Katie out on maternity leave, this summer I have a full time job at Country Roads, plus my Country Roads job at home that I normally do! It's been interesting for me. Our customers hold no surprises, as I'm use to ALL of their antics. In fact, they are the ones that continue to entertain me. But what is really tripping me out right now is the behavior of some of my dealers. Please know I DO appreciate them all, but wow, some of them are pretty caught up in the "all about me" thing. We were SLAMMED yesterday! Don't ask, I don't know why except to say that someone bigger than life is taking care of me and continuing to help me get through my days. There were a big bunch of dealers in yesterday working on their spaces and some worked quietly and I never even had a chance to chat or say good-bye after they left. Then others, well these were the ones that blew me away. Most of the time when you get in your car, and put your stuff in your car that you are bringing to the store, don't you remember that you are "going" to the store? On top of being so busy yesterday with customers, we spent the day providing supplies & tools, my son (who has the patience of a saint), looking for tickets that were already in the dealers books, stepping over dealer merchandise that filled the aisles and spilled over into other dealer spaces, and just general chaos. I really had to step back and take a mental picture. I think I have at least 80 dealers, and this morning I am SO grateful that the majority of them are the most considerate, sweetest, and helpful people you would ever want to know. Seriously, they are the best. But I do have to say, I have a small portion that make Country Roads all about themselves. That is just the way of life, how our world is these days. I guess yesterday was just an illustration of "human nature" to me, that is still fresh in my mind this morning. Yesterday, my little Bo and Riley visited the pediatrician. I use to go with them on these appointments, but my "summer job" has kept me away from many things that I'm starting to miss! Bo is now almost nine pounds at two weeks old today. He looks like a doll in that picture. And their pediatrician, who I have met before, still doesn't look old enough to be a doctor!! She is good at what she does. So, as I head out the door this morning back to work, I'm very grateful for my life. I am so appreciative of the business that has been brought our way at Country Roads, and my dealers that work so hard to make this happen. And I'm happy I still remember to take time to smell my roses! I have a date tonight after work with Riley and Bo! I've missed them!!

How Do We Slow Down Time?

Before I know it, Christmas will be here!! I'm not kidding, I saw some Halloween slipping into the store yesterday. Time! I can't seem to find enough of it these days. Most of you know, Katie had her beautiful baby Bodhi not quite two weeks ago. Seems like my boy Bo has been with us forever. What you may not know is that I'm the "new" Katie! Meaning? I'm working five days at the store, and I'm sure my vendors will tell you I am no where close to doing what Katie does for them! So, on top of physically being at the store five days, doing all the paperwork at home, trying to squeeze in time for my babies, along with other stuff, I'm busy! Took me awhile to admit it, but I'm now "owning it"! Speaking of "owning it", I'm "still" trying to get up even earlier so I can get back on my treadmill. I miss my morning runs. With all that said (which I did to cover myself in case I screw something up) I wanted to let you all know how much moving around we are doing right now at Country Roads. I love when we do this, the store looks great, but it is a major project! I fell in love with this old country primitive cupboard Darcy brought in. It has the old wavey glass, and I think by looking at the bottom, it much have sat on top of something even larger. Believe me, if I had room, this piece would be going home with me! Country Roads has such a variety of styles and looks but I have to say my favorite is country primitives. Let's not forget, that is the EXACT reason I named the store Country Roads back in November of 1992! I just wanted you to have one more photo of Darcy's displays. She's good, and her stuff is always fresh, clean and priced!! Totally awesome! Speaking of awesome, Ginny has been doing a complete make over and moving around. This girl, seriously, has some of the most awesome primitive pieces you will see anywhere. You see, I think she too has a love affair with country primitives! Just peek at some of Ginny's new displays and guess what? She isn't done yet!




I've been so busy lately, I often miss stuff in my own store. Yesterday as we were getting ready to close, I saw this! I'm not sure why I didn't see it sooner, but I missed "it" all together!! I LOVE the look of Stacey's walls. The crinkled burlap added so much to this little area right by the front door! Hey, sooner or later I DO see it all. Okay, need to get rolling! I've got work to do before work, and a freeway to fight. And thanks to all of you that leave me comments, to all of you that come visit us at Country Roads. You make it ALL worthwhile!! Take care.

White Wednesday

This "White Wednesday" finds me aimlessly walking around out behind Country Roads in Johnnye Merle's Garden & Nursery. This is one of my most favorite places to escape to when the work day at "the store" gets to be a bit much! We've been lucky, over all the weather has been pretty mild this summer so it's been really nice out in our gardens and nursery!









The pictures above were just a few of the "whites" that caught my eye in my secret garden. I think there is something magical about gardens and nature. They always draw me near and grab hold of my heart. For more great "White Wednesday" posts, stop by Kathleen's blog and you will find yourself lost in a sea of white! Take care.

Some New Displays

What I believe keeps our customers coming back again & again to Country Roads are the awesome displays we ALWAYS have at the store! The dealers that do well KNOW the importance of good displays. We've not only had some moving going on at Country Roads, but our dealers have been working SO hard on their displays and product. Tim just brought in this amazing table he made from old wood. The picture doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it is so cool! Below are some more of Tim's creations along with some of our other Country Roads family. They've been busy!
Loretta and her husband, Jesse, completely re-did their entire area in the Full Bloom Cottage room! They moved everything around. As always, their displays never disappoint, but to see the entire room flipped and re-done is amazing, and looks great!

Here we have some photos of Pat Fillipi's move. I ALWAYS like when dealers move around in the store. Even though much of their merchandise may be the same, a different area gives them a whole different look, you know?

Pat Estrada moved a bit down the aisle to a different area of the last building. She too is still working on her new area, but here are a few preview shots of what she has done so far!!
The pictures below are "only" the beginning for one of our new dealers, Mike. No, I don't remember his last name although I do know he has some great stuff. He's got a big space and I'm very anxious to see what he does with it!!


With all the pictures above, you would think that is it, we are done shuffling and moving and re-displaying. The coolest part of Country Roads is that we are NEVER done, we NEVER quit, we NEVER give up, and we ALWAYS keep the store looking fresh for YOU!!!