Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Gifted Touch

Just 3 miles south of Coatesville at the corner of Route 82, or otherwise known as Doe Run Road, and Buck Run Road, in Chester County, PA lies a small, artisan style gift shop with the biggest heart.  In the midst of "horse country" with its wide open spaces of running hilly terrain set against a tone of tree lined roads, split rail fencing, great big barns and stone homes, sits this very unique, very quaint, very hospitable, very deliberate gift shop called Tender Touch Gifts.  Although, the story doesn't begin here.  This one begins with a not-so-wild goose chase, or rather, fox hunt.  In order for me to fully appreciate this experience and share with you, I must start at the beginning. 
I was invited by my friend, Kendra, equestrian and extraordinary animal lover, to accompany her and another friend of ours to watch, follow and photograph a fox hunt in the company of the Cochran Hunt Club. We arrived just in time to watch the mounted hunt members set off on their adventure.  Now, this is not the easiest thing to watch.  We basically followed other horse hunting loving people (who happen to have walkie-talkies and communicate with one of the huntsmen in the club) in our car, driving around the back, country roads hoping for a glimpse of the fox!  It is deemed good luck if one is seen, however, our luck wasn't so terrific in that respect, at least. We were pretty thrilled to be parked alongside the road as the hunting company drew near and passed our way following the fox hounds as they sniffed out the sly fox.  Such excitement in the air! 

This hunt garners quite a crowd of followers - in vehicles as well as on bicycle! I couldn't help but feel the thrill of possibly getting a chance to see the fox outwit the horsemen and women, and especially the hounds!  ;)  Just for the record, this hunting is purely for the game of it; the Master Huntsman calls his hounds off if things get too close to call for the fox.  No worries.  The fox is not intentionally killed.  This is more about the chase, than the catch.  We hung around until our bellies began to grumble and talk to us.  So, we said goodbye to the hunt enthusiasts and we were off to get a bite to eat.  
After all that excitement, we were ready for some good eats.  Kendra took us to a friendly little place with an excellent, epicurean style menu of fine food called The Whip Tavern located at 1383 North Chatham Road, Coatesville.  With it's dark mahogany, low lights, friendly atmosphere, wall-lined benches and tables I felt as though I was in a brown cafe in Europe somewhere.  But, alas!  I was on American soil! ;)   
We settled in and looked over the menu hungrily.  We placed our order and didn't have to wait long for our delicious meal to arrive our table.  The mushroom soup was a feast for the senses to behold - fabulous!  My friends thoroughly enjoyed their lunch as well.  A burger, club sandwich, and I had the veggie wrap. Everything was scrumptious and top notch.  Their ales were tempting, but I stuck with coffee.

This description is straight from their website: 

English pub in the heart of horse country. Serving classic pub fare and a bit of American nosh as well. Plus a fine selection of beers and ales, along with a warm atmosphere in the company of friends.
We left there with full bellies and boxes to go.  If you should get a chance to stop by The Whip Tavern, you'll be glad you did!  Tell them I said "hi and thanks for a wonderful meal!" And, I'll gladly be returning! 


We were ready to shop local as we happily digested our lunches. Feeling rejuvenated and refreshed we headed to Tender Touch Gifts, located at 803 Doe Run Road in Coatesville, and most importantly, the main reason for our day out together.  Kendra has shopped here before and she highly recommended that I check it out and possibly highlight it here on my Focus on Local blog.  Well, I knew it had to be someplace special and was eager for this opportunity to finally come together for all of our schedules.  The day we visited happened to also be a special day for Tender Touch as the owner, Brenda Hillard, was having her 17th annual Christmas Open House with refreshments, door prizes, and meet and greet artists & authors, too.  We picked a great day!  

Come in, come in!!  

Everything from handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, signs, scarves, gloves, hats, to paintings, sculptures, embroidered pillows, stained glass, and more can be found within these walls.  And, there are vintage items, books, and almost an entire 2nd floor dedicated to equestrian needs. 
Here's my friend Shannon modeling this beautiful creation made by Tina Skinner.  I purchased a pair of her fingerless, woolen gloves, and they are divine.  Thanks again for modeling, Shannon!! :) 

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting this lovely woman and the author of "The Lady Blows a Horn."  Nancy L. Mohr wrote this book from interviews she had conducted with Nancy Penn Smith Hannum (1919-2010), a lady master of foxhounds and preservationist.  From an excerpt of her book: 

"Nancy Penn Smith Hannum is indeed the most visible, and controversial member of the rural support system. Stepdaughter of the man who began consolidating the Unionville fox hunting country in the early 1900's, master of hounds herself, wife, mother and ardent open space preservationist, Nancy Hannum has lived in Unionville for a long time, sometimes longer than even she can believe. As her children have grown, married and produced heirs of their own, some of the best days have been spent introducing her grandchildren to the joys of country life, appreciation of open space, sharing enthusiasm for local sports and accepting the value of becoming better than average horsemen." 

And, yes, I also purchased a signed copy of her book.  I love conservationist  stories and if they involve a feisty lady, than I'm hooked.  It was so nice to meet Mrs. Mohr and chat with her about her book and her life.  She's a gifted writer and I am grateful to have crossed paths with her. 
These unique horse sculptures are made using horse hair!  Look close, you'll see it! Be amazed! 
It's time to take you upstairs to show you a little something that might entice and astound… 

The Equestrian Room is loaded with goodies for any horse loving enthusiast.  This is the Tender Touch's biggest consignment area - we can see why! 

I chatted with these terrific ladies for a short while and felt very much at ease with them - almost like we've been friends for years.  Thank you for allowing me the distinct honor of photographing you and for the opportunity to get to know each of you however briefly it was.  It's encouraging to me to meet other artists and hear your stories, the familiar juxtaposition that occurs for me.  I wish you all every success in your careers and in your personal lives.  And thanks for the smiles, too!! :)   
(L-R) Tina Skinner (crafter, woolen creationist), Brenda Hillard (Proprietor of Tender Touch Gifts), and Cristin Rojas (Photographer). 


All in all it was a very full day loaded with fun adventures from start to finish!  I learned a few things, met new friends, ate wonderful food, and had the chance to hang out with dear friends, too.  What more could I ask for?  

Thanks, Kendra for inviting me along to experience these new adventures in fox hunting, savory foods, and shopping locally at a most uniquely creative, and interesting artisan style gift shop.  This was a day to remember.  One for the books and my blog! :) 

So, if you happen to be in the area Wednesday through Sunday, do make it a point to stop by Tender Touch Gifts, browse a while, and help support this small business and these wonderful artists, their work and their passion.  Giving the "American Dream" a real, tangible chance to continue to exist and flourish - that's where it's at, my friends!  And, please tell Brenda I said "hello! and thanks for keeping your shop locally grown and intentional."  Kudos to you, Brenda!!  


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As I look back over the 2012 year of Focus on Local, I am reminded of the different projects I set out in pursuit of:  Natural Foods Store, Winery, Bakery, Bookstore, Tea Room, Plant NurseryUpholstery Shop, and now a Gift Shop, too.  Each one is near and dear to my heart in a distinctive way.  These projects have taken hold of me in a very positive way.  How can they not?  They are labors of love, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy photographing and writing about them!  As I look ahead to the New Year of 2013, I am curious where it will lead me, who I will meet next, and what is to be learned.  I am so grateful that I started this project.  It feeds my soul.  I feel more alive when I am in the process of creating.  So, for that, I am forever thankful to everyone for putting up with me and my nosing around in their business, asking questions, taking photos, and then blogging about my experiences.  I am blessed and enriched by each and everyone of you. 


I guess this is where I say See You Next Year, my friends!!! 
Here's hoping that 2013 is abundant in life's simple joys and pleasures; let peace, prosperity, and love reign in your hearts, always!  And continue to shop local! ;)  

Warmest kindness and gratitude,
Barb