The Sweet Life

My favorite guy and I took a Sunday drive yesterday.  The air was crisp, still and the sun was shining bright - the perfect recipe for a road trip and new explorations of our local economy. Luckily, we did not need to go too far to reach our destination, but we did take the longer, more scenic ride for good measure. 

We found our destination, J Maki Winery situated on a back road in Elverson, PA, just off Rte. 23 in Chester County, surrounded by horse farms, barns and antiquated homes made of stone, mortar and saturated with memories, history, simpler times long gone.  

I had been curious to visit this winery ever since my folks told me about it over a year ago, and, fortunate for me, shared some of their delicious wine, too. Yum!

As we reached the door to enter, a lively, happy group of people were leaving. They said to us, "You won't be disappointed." :) And we indeed were not. 

The owner, Jim Maki greeted us with warmth and kindness. A very knowledgeable man of the world. The sort of person that knows what he wants in life, and goes after it. He also knows the value of hard work, stout dedication and resolute commitment to this love of wine and champagne making that he and his wife, Janet share. He explained to my husband and I how each vine must be thoughtfully, carefully pruned in preparation for the growing season soon to be. Jim also stated with a precise pledge how imperative it is to work with the land, with mother nature, and with the seasons of time.  

After tasting some of his beloved sweet delights, I am convinced he knows what he's talking about!

Jim was most hospitable and friendly, and even allowed me to take his photo! ( Thank you! ) He was also quite open to my project of focusing on local economies, and even said with a grin, "Oh yea, [going local] is the new trend." He made us feel welcome and answered my silly questions with grace and optimism. A gentleman through and through. 

Jim and Janet Maki's winery has "crafted the only American Champagne to ever be awarded the gold medal from the Olympics of wine competitions, the Vinalies Internationales in Paris, France." A most prestigious honor to be endowed with, and they are very proud of it - with good cause I'd say!! Wow!! 

Here's a quote from J. Maki Winery's wine/champagne list that I thought you might enjoy: 

"My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne." 

~ John Maynard Keynes ~

Jim reiterated that he and his wife, Janet have built their dream of wine and champagne crafting with a sound commitment to aesthetics. Every tiny detail matters. The addition that they had built onto their barn was created with a pleasing architectural sensibility and creative space. The windows, lighting, textures, exposed wooden beams, were all chosen with great care. The placement of tables, decorative art and objects, and even their lovely plants were all mindfully placed with regards to expressing beauty. I believe they have achieved their dream goal.

I could not help but notice the attention to every last detail and could have easily stayed all afternoon photographing; savoring the beautiful environment, and talking "shop" with Mr. Maki, while attempting to absorb all there is to know about wine and champagne.      

As quoted from J. Maki Winery's brochure:

Thirty two acres of south facing slope with elevation, in Chester County, have spawned America's signature Champagne and Ice Wine. From well drained schist soil atop limestone, ideally suited for wine grapes, the J. Maki Winery has … [married] great wine with a great aesthetic in order to create a memorable experience on many levels. 

In my opinion, they have achieved their well-deserved reputation of fine wine/champagne making with an earnest determination for the sweet life. I will savor this local experience with favorable memories, and thank you profusely, Jim Maki for stirring my senses with the utmost in high standards. I raise my glass to toast you, J. Maki Winery - Here's to your continued success,  succulent, productive vineyards, and outstanding wine. Cheers, friends!

Until we meet again, 

 Bye for now,

Barb

P.s. When you stop in for your wine & champagne tasting and purchases, please be sure to tell Jim & Janet that you read this blog post! ;) Thanks, friends!

A Good Book Has No Ending

In the heart of West Reading, Pennsylvania, situated on the 600 block of Penn Avenue, amongst other "Main Street" shops and restaurants, sits a clever shop, The Wise Owl Bookstore with a story to tell and a purpose to fulfill. 

Won't you come inside? The company is particularly warm and welcoming. 

My friend, Andrea and I just happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to have a look around. Completely unannounced and without advance notice, I approached Kira, the owner of The Wise Owl Bookstore and explained to her my project idea that I'm working on. Without a second thought, and with a lovely smile she acceptingly said, "Sure! Go ahead." I appreciate this type of openness in a business owner. I know it's going to be a good experience, and it was.

There's a little bit of everything within these walls. 

Kira is not only an eclectic buyer and seller of books, but she sells her friends' artwork, too. 

She hosts author book signings, poetry gatherings, story time for children, and a book club. She works closely in association with her neighbors that share this "Main Street" of Penn Avenue and partners with them to include enticing coupon offers and discounts. Plus, she has great taste in music! 

This lady is my kind of woman! ;)  

Kira was busily typing in her book orders along with her other tasks of the day, but she took the time to chat with us. When I asked her what her vision for her bookstore was, she openly explained that she set out to create an intimate space where people can aesthetically experience the timeless art of book browsing and reading. She feels that there is a place for the technology - all the new fangled books on computer tablets - but she also believes in the tangible, tactile sensations associated with books; the warmth they provide, the paper between your hands, the ability to bend and mark pages, the creative cover designs and beautiful bindings. She explained that she looks at a computer screen all day long, so, when she is ready to open a book to read, it's somewhat of a departure from the mainstream of technology and media, and a soothing break. ( I happily agree with you, Kira )

The lovely, well-read, Kira even gave me permission to take her photo. ( Thank you!! ) 

Did I mention that The Wise Owl has an entire room dedicated to children's literature?! 
Sweet candy for the soul!! :)

As quoted on The Wise Owl bookmark:  Our collection leans heavily on the used side, with choice new titles peppered in. We stock a slew of different genres, hardcover and paperback, with a slight preference for science fiction, mystery, the classics, and children's literature.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time amongst the many, many pages of great books and classic literature. I felt immediately at home in Kira's cozy book shop, warm space filled with goodies of many kinds, and could have hung out a whole lot longer - just browsing her shelves, looking at the artwork, running my fingers over the words written so well and published for all to share. I will certainly be a returning customer to The Wise Owl. I even found the perfect birthday gifts for my niece's upcoming birthday! No hints or clues as to what they could be, right? *wink* ;) 

When you are ready for a new or pre-read book; or happen by chance to be in the West Reading neighborhood, please do make it a point to stop by The Wise Owl Bookstore and tell Kira I said "Hi!" Thank you, Kira for allowing my dear friend and I the opportunity to photograph, discuss, ponder over, and feel the warmth of your clever bookstore. I wish you much success and best wishes with your dreams, always. 

As we were departing, I caught notice of some framed artwork that read:

"~ A special Irish blessing from the heart of a friend ~  

May good fortune be yours, may your joys never end." 

Happy reading! 

Bye for now,

Barb

Let the Projects BEGIN!

At the edge of Lancaster County, just off Route 10 in Morgantown PA (1/2 mile south of Rte 23), and situated back a long, winding lane sits a small gem of a farm store.

The folks here like to keep things simple, and in their 35 years of doing business, they have yet to advertise on any sort of large scale means. Instead, they have relied on word of mouth, and valued return customers.  

 

I was warmly greeted by the animals with an eager, inquisitive nature. 

I was especially, warmly greeted by the man himself - the owner - Mr. Paul Hartz. Although he was a bit reluctant to have his picture taken, he allowed me the honor, eventually. 

He was busy tending to his farm equipment when I arrived, but he graciously took some time out to chat with me. We talked about farming practices and his beautiful bovine. He expressed a subtle, yet intensely urgent concern for humanity as we know it. We talked about how seeds are being genetically engineered (or GMOs as they are referred to - Genetically Modified Organisms) to alter their very core purpose, so as to fit into what is believed by some to be beneficial to the future of food. These seeds (or GMOs) grow into large crops that are no longer a derivative of biodiversity in the natural world, instead they are manufactured in labs so as to produce insect, drought resistant plants to be sold to farmers in mass quantities. But what you don't always hear about is how resistant these plants become, and the scientists have to run back into their labs to make even stronger versions of the GMO seeds. These GMOs are heavily inherent with herbicides and pesticides (toxic poisons) that guess who ingests at most every meal . . . yep, we do!! Unless, of course, you are growing your own food from organic seeds or purchasing non-GMO foods. 

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now and get back to this haven of natural and organic food offerings! 

(Sorry for the rant, but this GMO stuff gets me in a tizzy!!) 

Onwards and upwards, as they say…

Come inside! Grab a basket or cart and begin your shopping experience . . .

The staff (and patrons) are friendly people that like to help, lend an ear, offer advice, and 

encourage healthy eating and lifestyles…

 These ladies were great to me! Thank you Anita and Jan for allowing me to hang around your beautiful store while I photographed "stuff," chatted, shopped and basically nosed around. ;) Your insights were charming and patient. I am truly grateful. Thank you.

And here is another really great part of the Hartz Natural Food store ~ their ever growing and expanding greenhouses and gardens filled with tasty treats of lovely certified organic vegetables. Mr. Hartz couldn't help but glow with pride when he mentioned his partner, Erica. Unfortunately, I didn't get to chat directly with Erica this time around, but I have been fortunate enough to meet her a few times at the local Elverson Farmer's Market (just off Rte 23 behind the car wash and the bank), which runs from May to September, as well as at the farm store itself. 

Erica and Mr. Hartz combined efforts to start B & H Organic Produce. 

As quoted from their brochure:

"B & H grows a wide variety of produce including; green beans, tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots, squash, fresh cut flowers, and much more. Being certified organic means that there are no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers used in the growing practices. B & H takes 'organic' a step further by concentrating on building up our soil in order to give our plants the healthiest growing conditions, and to ensure the highest quality and best taste." 

Be sure to check out their website and subscribe by email to their mailing list for local happenings in and around Morgantown. For more info, please click on their link - http://www.bhorganicproduce.com/

I couldn't have enjoyed my Saturday morning, which turned into afternoon, more than by starting this project idea of mine at a local favorite business, Hartz Natural Food Store. The company was interesting, educational, warm and heartily full of "flavor." I purchased some great, wholesome items to share with my family - items that I don't worry about being polluted with toxic chemicals. After all, my children are in my care only for a short time (don't I know how fast the time goes, and they grow!) and I want them to have the best that life can offer.

I hope you will stop by, make your organic purchases of meats and veggies, and please be sure to tell them that you saw this blog post!! Tell them that that nice lady with the camera asking all the questions says "hi." (smile!)

If you enjoyed this blog and are interested in sharing a local, favorite small business of your own that I may highlight as one of my projects, please do leave me a comment, or send me an email (my3girlsphotography@gmail.com). I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. Thank you.

Bye for now, friends.
~ Barb ~ 

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. 

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. 

~ Irish Blessing ~