tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82452301944407438012024-02-18T23:34:15.505-08:00Focus on LocalThis blog is where I will publish my locally grown adventures exploring small businesses, and, highlighting them… My goal is to periodically put the spotlight on small businesses in order to further their growth, give them free advertising, and learn more about my own local economy. Thank you for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-82347007205015957532013-02-12T15:37:00.000-08:002013-02-15T10:30:18.735-08:00We Are Beings <i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stop what you are doing. Stop thinking. Sit tall. Turn your focus inward. Take a deep breath in all the way to your collarbone. Hold it. Now, let it out - all the way to your belly. Breathe. In. and. Out. Close your eyes. Let go of the labels and the responsibilities and just be. In this moment. In this space. In this body. Breathe. You are a being. Not a thinking. Not a doing. But a being. There are 9 billion human beings on the planet. Know that you are enough. Breathe. In. and. Out. Feel your breath move through you. And know that you are enough. You are love. Peace. Joy. Breath. Life.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These meditative thoughts and breathing practices are just a few of what I experienced while attending yoga classes at this very hip, beautifully remodeled, welcoming yoga studio in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Yes, that's right. You read that correctly. Morgantown has a yoga studio<i>!!</i> And a thriving one at that! <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/" target="_blank">Human Breathing Yoga Studio</a> is located on East Main Street (Route 23), just behind the Chiropractic Arts Center, next to the National Penn Bank and in the same building that once housed El Video (<i>remember those days?!</i>). This yoga studio is one amazing place to connect with like-minded community members of various ages; all seeking greater flexibility, toned and strengthened muscles, wellness and insight that is both gentle and rigorous for the mind, body and soul. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had noticed the big bright yellow <span style="background-color: yellow;">YOGA</span> sign from time to time as I would come through town on occasion and kept thinking to myself, "I gotta check that out!" Well, I finally did and I am so thankful I did! Normally, I practice yoga at home with my girls (ages 7 & 3). They <i>love</i> it, which makes me a happy momma, but ... someone usually ends up in my space, on my mat, on my head, or on my back, and the practice ends too soon. By joining a class, I have found a renewed kindle of joy for yoga practice, and can feel the positive energy and vibes within a class full of other yogis. The word yoga means "to join, or unite." So, it only makes sense that this practice would be made even more powerful, more enlightening, and more energetic by joining others in their practice. Plus, I think I try harder while in a room full of peers all practicing the same poses (and they don't end up on my back). ;-)</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my first class I knew that I wanted to highlight this small business on my blog, so I chatted with the owner, Ron Coughenour directly after class about the idea. He was very open to my request (thanks, Ron!). Two weeks later, I showed up with my camera prepared to take a few shots of everyone practicing together, however, Ron asked that I refrain, stating that "it's like taking pictures in church." I understood, and respectfully put my sidekick away for the class. Although, I did manage to capture a shot of the welcome area before class. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take your shoes off, and come on in! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>These two lovely yoginis, Danielle and Kaili, were more than happy and willing to stay after class in order to be my models as they moved very gracefully, fluidly, in sync with one another through a series of poses well known to them. I am so impressed by these beauties. I love their energy and enthusiasm for life. Kaili is an intern at <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/" target="_blank">Human Breathing Yoga Studio</a> and a high school senior within the local area. She was the first person I connected with when coming through the door for my very first class. Thank you so much ladies! You are an inspiration! </b> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ron also took time out for me to stay after class so I could pick his brain about his flourishing business and how it came to be. He explained how <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/" target="_blank">Human Breathing Yoga Studio</a> has been established for 3 1/2 years and that the memberships are really the driving, influential force that keep the studio going with a positive growth factor. Besides Ron, there are 3 other instructors: April Showman, Dottie Ruggieri & <a href="http://www.secondstartotherightyoga.com/" target="_blank">Jesi Yost</a>, that lead classes here as well. The <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/schedule.html" target="_blank">schedule</a> is brimming with classes throughout the week, and there are different levels of classes aimed at individual needs. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After talking with Ron a bit and hearing his story, I noticed a kindred, teacher's spirit about him, and I told him so. Come to find out, he is a teacher by training and earned his undergraduate education studying English education with a Master's degree in Elementary education. Aha! When I asked how he came to be a yoga instructor, he replied with a shrug of his shoulders, "It chose me." He talked about his wife (while beaming, I might add!) and how she was the one who introduced him to yoga. It became a natural progression for him, and a passion. Other than running <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/about.html" target="_blank">Human Breathing Yoga Studio</a>, and teaching classes at the studio, he's also a stay-at-home dad caring for his 8 year-old son, and 18 month-old daughter. Plus, he finds time to teach yoga to "at-risk" high schoolers through a program at Twin Valley High School in Elverson. Kudos, Ron! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These three were so energetic, they even did some partnered yoga for me and my camera!! Aren't they awesome?!! As Ron would say, "Smile, like you like it." :) </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drop-ins are welcome anytime at <a href="http://www.humanbreathing.com/classes.html" target="_blank">Human Breathing Yoga Studio</a>. And your first class is free. Sunday morning classes (10:30 - 11:30) are $5. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend attending one or more of the yoga classes offered at this unassuming, welcoming studio filled with happy yogis. :) </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot say enough good things about the practice of yoga, the breathing exercises, and the meditation. It's a wellness practice that once you begin, will forever be a part of you. It's a stretch that feels great, and helps you to find your center, balancing life in all aspects. And a great stress reliever! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My warm, kind thanks go out to Ron and his interns, Danielle & Kaili for allowing me the unique privilege of photographing you, interviewing, and just plain satiating my inquisitiveness. Your light shines brightly in this </b><b>world, and I am grateful to have met you all. I wish you continued success in your business, personal and student life. </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Namaste, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Barb</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">-~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.s. See you Sunday in class, friends!! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com13605 East Main Street, Morgantown, PA 19543, USA40.157643 -75.88132814.6356085 -117.189922 65.6796775 -34.572734tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-71470830190850310752012-12-30T21:29:00.000-08:002012-12-31T09:56:32.998-08:00The Gifted Touch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 <b><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&gl=us&daddr=803+Doe+Run+Road,+Coatesville,+PA+19320&panel=1&f=d&fb=1&dirflg=d&geocode=0,39.946592,-75.838518&cid=0,0,8759936113849400367&hq=tender+touch+gifts&hnear=0x89c65be862d6462b:0xe97aea7d6e336b62,Coatesville,+PA" target="_blank">Tender Touch Gifts</a></b>. 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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpbirFBdEnR5jw8HH3YdGo74CgrfkP43VLgpzjEsaftgsQlUVI36mZbNuAct74NasZdHkYfTSVkF9Jj7s3UyjfShe0hNDiQIJ9rXI1FI1prK3j-T8WHP7-ew3ujeqjqxLf3EYQg17Gjl-/s1600/DSC00228+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpbirFBdEnR5jw8HH3YdGo74CgrfkP43VLgpzjEsaftgsQlUVI36mZbNuAct74NasZdHkYfTSVkF9Jj7s3UyjfShe0hNDiQIJ9rXI1FI1prK3j-T8WHP7-ew3ujeqjqxLf3EYQg17Gjl-/s640/DSC00228+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDRKPBC1X3iUtLiMNSIsH3X6x1iur_U99w1frHW2L1BPuRNVm1uaKzpTZmJHYZwNX6vSLpTpK5BfD_meG-OvsBN060-wfBzDoLHAda9PpJJgES5AGORMSfFXGALYeSLvNMfHfSMbNihcz/s1600/thewhipandcompany+strybrd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDRKPBC1X3iUtLiMNSIsH3X6x1iur_U99w1frHW2L1BPuRNVm1uaKzpTZmJHYZwNX6vSLpTpK5BfD_meG-OvsBN060-wfBzDoLHAda9PpJJgES5AGORMSfFXGALYeSLvNMfHfSMbNihcz/s1600/thewhipandcompany+strybrd.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://www.thewhiptavern.com/" target="_blank">The Whip Tavern</a> 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! ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This description is straight from their website: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: garamond; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 32px; text-align: -webkit-center;">English pub in the heart of horse country. </span><span style="font-family: garamond; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 32px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Serving classic pub fare and a bit of American nosh as well. Plus a fine selection of </span><span style="font-family: garamond; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 32px; text-align: -webkit-center;">beers and ales, along with a warm atmosphere in the company of friends.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78kb2H2H4ma4om9qLAmDGgvnhNAeaw21ALTCQ_s8h1qzJC1Ms20g-KEC2QctakL_rEY3VhC7wGEIRsequF0zALCJ6nj7WEYWicSZfXocpRdToY5CclkBg9LfcebxGh48lZ77_o8kuqroP/s1600/The+Whip+Storyboard+2+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78kb2H2H4ma4om9qLAmDGgvnhNAeaw21ALTCQ_s8h1qzJC1Ms20g-KEC2QctakL_rEY3VhC7wGEIRsequF0zALCJ6nj7WEYWicSZfXocpRdToY5CclkBg9LfcebxGh48lZ77_o8kuqroP/s1600/The+Whip+Storyboard+2+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left there with full bellies and boxes to go. If you should get a chance to stop by <a href="http://www.thewhiptavern.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Whip Tavern</a>, you'll be glad you did! Tell them I said "hi and thanks for a wonderful meal!" And, I'll gladly be returning! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were ready to shop local as we happily digested our lunches. Feeling rejuvenated and refreshed we headed to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tender-Touch-Gifts/106516382571" target="_blank">Tender Touch Gifts</a>, 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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come in, come in!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGerm_7eyt1px4Iz89kk5UsMjQs0shXypu4qcLQeYz5fRmr-5VagToxswHNIEYgh2fbeZKzEakt-veWc07bcvEG04ZARpvD3qzCveAi2lPmiO1G1sPlgv5CkQ2YF1d0fmVTCRXQpUjo86f/s1600/DSC00241+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGerm_7eyt1px4Iz89kk5UsMjQs0shXypu4qcLQeYz5fRmr-5VagToxswHNIEYgh2fbeZKzEakt-veWc07bcvEG04ZARpvD3qzCveAi2lPmiO1G1sPlgv5CkQ2YF1d0fmVTCRXQpUjo86f/s640/DSC00241+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXSD94-jK3kVZmbIGa1_aUvDi80vuHPL2PEZcjY4RkJ3vllFiV96Y79DA4svQQGzY-Hyi2_ZaQLH8jgxlnOYUHi-oEt2rF0JjIq2wFGvBZClrtOl_A2ddBKMuT6Zp2UDKu5Yh6Kov5RGe/s1600/DSC00280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXSD94-jK3kVZmbIGa1_aUvDi80vuHPL2PEZcjY4RkJ3vllFiV96Y79DA4svQQGzY-Hyi2_ZaQLH8jgxlnOYUHi-oEt2rF0JjIq2wFGvBZClrtOl_A2ddBKMuT6Zp2UDKu5Yh6Kov5RGe/s640/DSC00280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaKypRdCgqpfvZ6FSGyv4yE26i-Mm3140mLnnP5hQOAwNSW36U8FJBwmBakDaZfSH9sO2n6td3KnZV90STL0_xBFRYEXwBuXoMQBdeJf0GIwcAAh-LjKcW9baX9CCxoUGet4XuTcwoEoO/s1600/DSC00255+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaKypRdCgqpfvZ6FSGyv4yE26i-Mm3140mLnnP5hQOAwNSW36U8FJBwmBakDaZfSH9sO2n6td3KnZV90STL0_xBFRYEXwBuXoMQBdeJf0GIwcAAh-LjKcW9baX9CCxoUGet4XuTcwoEoO/s1600/DSC00255+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!! :) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFpODSaMLxotj3lWWQGnGQr1bl5izXLgIdL3NnaVfRVbGcxvaqMv-vvuptfSfuB-4PU5P5urugWbUAFhqRtXF6zXSHJOtFeqO6-Kz4rMEQN4FLxK6FZdr6Nqcw2YYg3mZCRVn0gZZG0Hv/s1600/DSC00261+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFpODSaMLxotj3lWWQGnGQr1bl5izXLgIdL3NnaVfRVbGcxvaqMv-vvuptfSfuB-4PU5P5urugWbUAFhqRtXF6zXSHJOtFeqO6-Kz4rMEQN4FLxK6FZdr6Nqcw2YYg3mZCRVn0gZZG0Hv/s1600/DSC00261+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB3ilaB8YLOrB30yRF3Qcz37rVZp8vTIjN_p_9GReFdLuO5-032rvSP481zLd56QogBO2wZsAOT59cqCWg70marGkFOKfGbZpGXhJApUFL2sPaVYEeFULJvcVhSWyuD9Rvduif8xZbjta/s1600/DSC00258+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB3ilaB8YLOrB30yRF3Qcz37rVZp8vTIjN_p_9GReFdLuO5-032rvSP481zLd56QogBO2wZsAOT59cqCWg70marGkFOKfGbZpGXhJApUFL2sPaVYEeFULJvcVhSWyuD9Rvduif8xZbjta/s1600/DSC00258+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmtq9eN8E_qFyQ7Ust9NOsCs4fJ-ueHfCYDYJZT5mlHLWst3lshGy54bWEGP9NLoDYc4ozWj8HbgueBFGIqChoa24jP2Phfa9dJ-O1akJQac6EoPueZJyoCskMEG_uXQC1VRDL2rLSikd/s1600/DSC00272resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmtq9eN8E_qFyQ7Ust9NOsCs4fJ-ueHfCYDYJZT5mlHLWst3lshGy54bWEGP9NLoDYc4ozWj8HbgueBFGIqChoa24jP2Phfa9dJ-O1akJQac6EoPueZJyoCskMEG_uXQC1VRDL2rLSikd/s1600/DSC00272resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the distinct pleasure of meeting this lovely woman and the author of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Blows-Horn-Nancy-Mohr/dp/0966028201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356927064&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Lady+Blows+A+Horn" target="_blank">The Lady Blows a Horn</a>." 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: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"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." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n_62u67fVrqdaAI5lImklC8Esk11fddH4JncOT1apAweUyHvkkxZg5v2lwB1FaYvN8r-2y2BDaOxnS8pu6UTF08ZKzaQ2vTwL_bBZWN3fQPZq6hyphenhyphenemg08yiJSEyduR7VLC5S5nah3sQu/s1600/DSC00249+resized+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n_62u67fVrqdaAI5lImklC8Esk11fddH4JncOT1apAweUyHvkkxZg5v2lwB1FaYvN8r-2y2BDaOxnS8pu6UTF08ZKzaQ2vTwL_bBZWN3fQPZq6hyphenhyphenemg08yiJSEyduR7VLC5S5nah3sQu/s1600/DSC00249+resized+.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These unique horse sculptures are made using horse hair! Look close, you'll see it! Be amazed! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyrFaGUcqUFZ8LYLl7Xi1kpCVPehyJqOCDPw3jMWphnk3AjXStNfoMzmXapOYL6TmGiswL79f6L-gbvHTGCpguEvHg8kdF_x_5XMwZ6iA58dMhNl9AaJZuwFJ6L-6G8Dm6xB0NPE0hIf7/s1600/DSC00278+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyrFaGUcqUFZ8LYLl7Xi1kpCVPehyJqOCDPw3jMWphnk3AjXStNfoMzmXapOYL6TmGiswL79f6L-gbvHTGCpguEvHg8kdF_x_5XMwZ6iA58dMhNl9AaJZuwFJ6L-6G8Dm6xB0NPE0hIf7/s1600/DSC00278+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's time to take you upstairs to show you a little something that might entice and astound… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(L-R) Tina Skinner (crafter, woolen creationist), Brenda Hillard (Proprietor of Tender Touch Gifts), and Cristin Rojas (Photographer). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, if you happen to be in the area Wednesday through Sunday, do make it a point to stop by <b>Tender Touch Gifts</b>, 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!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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: <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/02/let-projects-begin.html" target="_blank">Natural Foods Store</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/02/sweet-life.html" target="_blank">Winery</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/03/baking-traditions.html" target="_blank">Bakery</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/02/good-book-has-no-ending.html" target="_blank">Bookstore</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/07/tea-with-ladybugs.html" target="_blank">Tea Room</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/05/native-grown-goodness.html" target="_blank">Plant Nursery</a>, <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/09/sewing-new-life.html" target="_blank">Upholstery Shop</a>, and now a <a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gifted-touch.html" target="_blank">Gift Shop</a>, too. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I guess this is where I say <b style="font-style: italic;">See You Next Year, my friends!!! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">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! ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Warmest kindness and gratitude,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Barb </i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com5803 Doe Run Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA39.946592 -75.838517939.9450705 -75.8409854 39.948113500000005 -75.8360504tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-32697151998383231802012-09-17T11:25:00.000-07:002012-09-18T13:39:12.589-07:00Sewing New Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Have you ever known anyone that absolutely loves vintage furniture and "old" stuff? Yes?! What a coincidence - So do I!! ( me ) I can't help it. I'm a sucker for a pretty piece of furniture. And if it's an antique that has sentimental value; say, I cherish and love the previous owner, well, I'm simply done for. This situation has occurred to me on more than one occasion. I guess I'm what you might call a collector of nostalgic family heirlooms. My home is filled mostly with "hand-me-downs" and I love it that way. Every piece has a story, a history, a true-to-my-heart meaning. The table that I write upon at this very moment and use as my desk was created for me by my beloved, master wood-craftsman grandfather. He's no longer with us, but every time I sit here, I am fondly reminded of him. Over the years I have acquired many well made, sentimental pieces of furniture. I won't name each and every one and their story, or we'll be here for a while. But what I will tell you about is my most recent inheritance - A broken down, musty, rotting, torn, dust infested sofa that belonged to my great aunt Helen who recently passed away. As soon as I saw it, my heart leaped with joy! "If nobody else would like it, I will give it a new home," I told my family members as we worked to clean out her house this past summer. Sure! It's yours, Barb! When my husband came to pick it up with his truck, he tried talking me out of it. But when a woman's mind is made up - it's made up. You may as well just accept that fact, guys. </div>
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Lucky for both of us, where there's a will, there's a way. I knew just who to call to help remedy this situation. Someone with the ability to see beyond the surface damage, beyond the ripped and dusty exterior, beyond the here and now. Someone with vision. Someone with the know-how, the years of experience, the craftsmanship, the hands and mind of an artisan for his craft. I called my local upholstery friends at <b>Glass Upholstery</b> in Morgantown, PA. I knew that Craig Glass would know if this piece was worth saving, or if I needed to let it go. And, well, I wouldn't be writing this story if he had broken my heart and told me "no, sorry, it's too far gone." No, he told me, "It still has a good solid frame." As you can imagine, I was thrilled with this news. And then he told me, "If I find any money inside, I'll split it with you!" SOLD! We loaded it up in his van and away he took it to his shop located at <b>4177 Hay Creek Road. </b></div>
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I made an appointment to stop by Glass' home based upholstery shop, a father and son business, to look through their myriad of upholstery fabrics and browse the different selections that they offer. After this browsing experience, and narrowing down my choices to a handful, I talked with Craig's father, Bob Glass who gave me some great tips and advice. He told me that I shouldn't settle on a pattern that I didn't like completely. It should be something that I will be able to live with for many years to come. And sometimes it's best to see a larger swath of fabric in order to fully visualize how the fabric is going to look on my "new" sofa. He suggested that I visit another small business in the area, located in Elverson, <b>The Interior Alternative</b>. He told me basically how much fabric I would need in case I found my choice fabric elsewhere. Not many small business owners would be willing to put the needs of their customers' satisfaction before their own possible profit, but that's the way Mr. Glass does business. His patience and advice was and is greatly appreciated. I left their shop and headed over to see what The Interior Alternative had to offer. </div>
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Literally, within minutes of walking into <b>The Interior Alternative</b>, a rather large fabric & bedding outlet with floor to ceiling rolls upon rolls of fabric, the salesperson, Keith and I had located my ideal choice! And it was on sale! I love when things fall into place like that, don't you? Kismet, I tell you. Keith was great. After measuring the needed yardage of material, and tallying my order, I paid for it, and he set it up so that he would get the fabric to Craig for me. Smooth sailing! Thanks, Keith!! If you get a chance to stop by his shop, please tell him I said "hello! and thanks again!" </div>
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A beautiful reupholstered chair awaiting it's owner to pick up in Glass Upholstery's customer service area.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had an opportunity to stop by Glass' Upholstery once again; to formerly tell Bob and Craig about this write-up and my blog focusing on local small businesses. We had lively, spirited conversation filled with plenty of laughs, inquisitive questioning on both parts, and serious dialogue as well about the state of small businesses such as theirs. Bob, a veteran in the upholstery industry for 54 years, expressed a deep concern for the upholstering industry on the whole. According to him, it is becoming a lost art. There aren't many people willing to put the amount of hours, the amount of dedication it takes, the amount of worthwhile experience required to master this art form, as well as, run a small upholstery business successfully. And Craig told me that most of their clients that bring antique furniture, the stuff that is actually capable of being reupholstered, is the more mature generation of folks that have interest in reclaiming their well-made treasures. He also told me that most of the furniture that is being produced today, is so cheaply made that when it comes time to consider reupholstering, it won't be worth it, or possible for that matter. There's not much one can do with furniture made from particle board. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the flip side of this, I see their small business as a great value and asset to people like me. People that value heirloom quality hand-me-downs. People who appreciate the unique furnishings of yesteryear. They had previously (a few years ago) reupholstered a channel back chair for me that was inherited from my husband's aunt Betty. It is the most beautiful piece of furniture, and so comfortable that I keep it in my office - away from bouncing children or dog hair and grime. Craig did an outstanding job for me, and I am grateful to him and his dad for their dedication to their profession. So, as long as there are people like me to bring you unique challenges in reupholstering, Bob & Craig, you will keep your business for many years to come! That's a promise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are Craig & Bob in their shop. Bob was very reluctant to have his photograph taken and he gave me just one opportunity to get it right. His fun witted humor was spry and, yet, serious at the same time. He told me with great sincerity, while earnestly staring straight into my eyes, that he "has never met a piece of furniture that he was afraid of." No upholstery challenge is too great for his expertise, and craftsmanship. I believe it.</span><br />
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They even let me take a peek inside their shop and take a few photos to share with you! I felt honored with this privilege.</div>
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Okay! The moment you have been waiting for! I hear you - I know what you're thinking: "She sure has lots to say about this sofa, well, let's see it!!!" Here are a couple of the *before* pictures…<br />
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There is beauty in all things. ;)</div>
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It didn't take long, just 2.5 weeks, for the phone to ring and to hear Craig on the other end telling me, "Your sofa is ready!" Of course, I was thrilled! We set up a date/time for him to bring the sofa for delivery to our home. While he and my husband moved it into the house, I took plenty of photos! </div>
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After all this build up, the wait, the challenges that this sofa produced for me and my family, naturally, I needed to follow it's debut up with something extra special! How about a family sofa session in the field adjacent to my husband's family's farm! Yes!! We strategically moved it to the field, and after doing so, have decided that this is a once in a "blue moon" occurrence. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Here it is! In it's debut appearance on the web … Great Aunt Helen's sofa reupholstered and brought back to life by the master upholsterer's at </span><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Glass Upholstery</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">!! … </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ta Da!!</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
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Isn't it lovely? Oh, how I love it!! And it's super-duper comfortable!! Another treasured heirloom for me and my family to enjoy (carefully). A beautiful piece of furniture that I hope to one day pass along to my girls. It is my hope that while living amongst these treasures that fill our home, my girls will learn to appreciate the beauty, the craftsmanship, the sentimental value that each carries with it. </div>
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You may see more images from our evening sofa session on my other blog by clicking on this link > <a href="http://my3girlsphotography.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-familys-sofa-session.html" target="_blank">My 3 Girls Photography | My Family's Sofa Session</a> <</div>
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I cannot say enough good things about <b>Glass Upholstery</b> and how they have added to the quality of our life with their fine, precise care for details, and master craftsmanship. They have my utmost respect. I feel privileged to have had the chance to gain insight into both Bob & Craig's life on a personal level, as well as, on a professional level. Sharp as tacks, both of them, and great fun to be around. I wish them many more years of successful small business ownership. And should the need arise for their expert services, and you have the great honor of meeting these fellas, please tell them you saw this blog post and how important they are to our local economy. I know my great aunt Helen must be smiling down on her sofa made new by these artisans, and I am eternally grateful.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com44177 Hay Creek Rd, Morgantown, PA 19543, USA40.1847281 -75.854902240.1832116 -75.857369699999992 40.1862446 -75.8524347tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-61717535749900700982012-07-03T06:47:00.002-07:002012-07-03T08:02:30.229-07:00Tea with the Ladybugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It all started with a photo of ladybugs on a garden flag and the conversation began between a fellow photographer friend and myself. I explained how ladybugs represent a love-bantering between my paternal grandmother and I. She loves to tell the story over and over about how I had once asked her as a very young girl if all ladybugs were ladies. She has a good chuckle at this. :) Over the years, at birthdays or Christmas or whenever we exchange gifts, there is usually something with a ladybug reference that we give to one another with a little knowing wink and a smile. It has reached the point that I can no longer look at a ladybug (of any sort) without thinking of my beloved grandmother. So, when my friend told me about this wonderful Victorian tea room called the <a href="http://www.ladybugtearoom.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Lady Bug Tea Room</b></a> in the historic district of East Berlin, PA (Adams County), my natural curiosity got the better of me! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did a little research on the tea room and then began planning a group invitation for lunch and a photo walk afterwards for the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/216574171747243/" target="_blank"><b>Berks County Photography Facebook Group</b></a>." This is a terrific group of photographers and lucky for me I've made some lasting friendships. Many of the guys in our group were not interested in lunch at a tea room. So, my friend, Tony also mentioned another lunch venue in East Berlin - <a href="http://rickshogwild.com/" target="_blank">Rick's Hog Wild BBQ</a> - something for everyone. Win-win! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the help of other group members, we were able to settle on a date and even managed carpooling arrangements (<i>thank you, Denean for driving - :</i>)! After all, this was going to be a day long commitment and a hefty part of it was the drive. This was not exactly "local" for any of us! However, since this is a small, family-owned business, I decided to highlight this beautifully distinct <a href="http://www.ladybugtearoom.com/" target="_blank"><b>tea room</b></a> on my blog. I would confidently say that my friends and I were delightfully satisfied that we made the trip<i>!!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I knew I would find a <i><b>few</b></i> ladybugs here!<i> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When we arrived, we were warmly greeted at the door by Jen, the owner's niece. She was hurrying us inside since the temperatures outside were quite HOT. Come in, come in!! Once we settled our bags and camera gear at our table, it was time to pick out a unique tea pot and cup. With all the choices, it was tough to decide. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And decide we did. Once we all had our tea pots and cups ready to go, we were given a whole menu of different teas to choose from. These are no ordinary, run-of-the-mill teas either! Each tea has been named after a family member <i>AND</i> precise ingredients go into the making of each unique, individual tea to coincide with the family members' personality! We each chose 2 different teas and shared with one another. My favorites were "Forest Dan," "Boo Lukie" and "Jumpin' Jennifer Chai." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We were then presented with the 1st of <b>4 courses</b> - the hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And after we "<i>mmm..ed</i>" and "<i>ahhh..ed</i>" over the 1st course, we were given 2 soup choices - free range chicken in a potato stock or cream of spinach. I chose the spinach. We were also offered blueberry iced tea. Quite simply put - outstanding! :) Every detail has been thoroughly thought through with creative flair and personal touches. All of the recipes are made from scratch and made fresh. This is not only a tea room, but also serves as the owner's residence. She has a kitchen garden out her back door where she picks fresh ingredients each day and she explained that in East Berlin they still deliver fresh cow's milk to her door each and every morning in order to serve her customers the freshest and the best of what's in season at the present time. I was in awe. I think my jaw just about hit the table when the owner explained in detail all of this to us. 'Impressed' is too light a word for how this made me feel. I felt like Royalty! ;) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speaking of the owner - here she is … Miss Millie. With her "no nonsense" attitude about life, tell you "flat out" about yourself, and about what's going on in Washington, I sat up straighter when she walked into the room and paid close attention. This is a woman that I want on my side<i>!!</i> Millie told us that owning and operating a tea room was a dream that she and her mother both shared. Sadly, she lost her mother when she was 19, but she did not give up on their dream. The day we happened to visit, July 1, Millie explained was her 5 year anniversary. She told us how she learned a great deal in the first year of her tea room's history, and how she was able to make changes and become more successful than she had ever imagined. A firm believer in the power of prayer, Millie told us that she asks God for guidance in her business life, but He doesn't give her exactly what she asks for - it's usually greater and better than what she had in mind. This lady is an inspiration, and I feel so privileged to have met her. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here we are at <a href="http://www.ladybugtearoom.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Lady Bug Tea Room</b></a> - pinkies poised and having a great time! Thanks, Jen for taking this shot of us! And a s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pecial and sincere thanks to my photographer friends for making this day extra great! These ladies are tops in my book!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(L-R) Marilyn, Cathy, Andrea, me and Denean</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After we finished up, it was time to look around some more. The Lady Bug Tea Room offers unique artisan style jewelry, hand knitted items, small original paintings, and their signature, homemade teas, too! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Millie mentioned that we were welcomed to go check out her backyard, photograph her flowers, and see her yard and garden. So, we did just that! And, as you can imagine, we found more ladybugs! These lucky beetles, and in my case smile invoking beetles, serve this tea room well. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I completely enjoyed <a href="http://www.ladybugtearoom.com/" target="_blank">The Lady Bug Tea Room</a> and would highly recommend it to anyone in search of fine, fresh cuisine; delicious, unique teas; comfortable, beautiful surroundings; hand-crafted, artisan shopping; and a relaxed atmosphere. When you do get the opportunity to experience this lovely tea room, please be sure to tell Millie, Jen, and the staff members that you saw this blog post and that I said "<b>Hello from across the mighty Susquehanna<i>!!</i></b>" :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Until my next 'Focus on Local' adventure, I wish you many fine local shopping and dining encounters! And have a terrific Independence Day tomorrow!! It's a good time to reflect and remember that only 236 short years ago the great states (or colonies) of America decided that enough was enough, and took back their rights to support one another at the local level. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cheers to your good health, my friends, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Barb</i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com14East Berlin, PA, USA39.9375969 -76.978589239.9254219 -76.9983302 39.9497719 -76.9588482tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-29904417470562734962012-05-02T20:28:00.000-07:002012-05-03T10:21:25.985-07:00Native Grown Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In the heart of what native Pennsylvanian "locals" still call Plowville, on Rte. 10 adjacent to Robeson Lutheran Church, is a small residential agribusiness. While combining both home and business,<b> <a href="http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Sugarbush Nursery</a></b> has intrigued me from the time of its inception in 2005. Anne-Marie McMahon and her family have planted their roots, set up shop, and turned their passion for sustainable gardening practices and products while combining both business and family life into a winning combination! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have had the privilege of visiting <a href="http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sugarbush Nursery</b></a> several times over the years, and made purchases for my own home garden, however, this past weekend I had more intriguing reasons to visit the nursery. There was to be a special guest giving a talk about how to prevent insects and disease in the vegetable garden. The guest speaker was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Erica Bowers Lavdanski of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bhorganicproduce.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">B & H Organic Produce</a>! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You may recall that my very first FOL project was at B & H Organic Produce, or otherwise known as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/02/let-projects-begin.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hartz Natural Food Store</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I marked my calendar, adjusted my schedule, set up a sitter for my girls </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(thanks, Grandmom!!) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and made a point to attend this very enriching chat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKdXLYPRIwQKLqJBOX2DVK5KiFzxWLk2GipvRvYZyeGf5ixnMKnutZfokcfDVdVMVgyF7e290LMKvuzvyLJ5xf7lS5QFIzdeZGluRIRTC2vwkHi-_Y22nC_nNIOGRzmXu5PAiFm908fIr/s1600/strybrd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKdXLYPRIwQKLqJBOX2DVK5KiFzxWLk2GipvRvYZyeGf5ixnMKnutZfokcfDVdVMVgyF7e290LMKvuzvyLJ5xf7lS5QFIzdeZGluRIRTC2vwkHi-_Y22nC_nNIOGRzmXu5PAiFm908fIr/s640/strybrd1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was warmly greeted by Erica almost immediately which made me feel like a star! (Thank you, Erica!). The nursery was a buzz of excitement. There were plenty of fresh young veggie, herbs, and flower plants all perked up and gleaming, as if to say, "Please, take<b><i> me</i></b> home!" There was a good amount of interested patrons, ready with pens in hand and eagerness in their hearts. I had just enough time to peruse the goods, snap off some photos, introduce myself to Anne-Marie and explain to her about my project, which she graciously agreed to, (thank you kindly, AM!) and then I prepared to listen. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8E-pFHVH5rZC1_zq_l0TpxV1QyqPv7zYF-YKfRYSaEAiMpRWLvAz7qKI73ibXpFyJ0mhTUC-tbCM6K9Qx7EGwVpftwAFAh9Ti2JIJodz_HzlhFKaqKGGa0BZFwaR9uDZbrnRwE27GfJn/s1600/DSC01264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8E-pFHVH5rZC1_zq_l0TpxV1QyqPv7zYF-YKfRYSaEAiMpRWLvAz7qKI73ibXpFyJ0mhTUC-tbCM6K9Qx7EGwVpftwAFAh9Ti2JIJodz_HzlhFKaqKGGa0BZFwaR9uDZbrnRwE27GfJn/s640/DSC01264.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This fantastic mosaic mural hangs within the barn. I have always wanted to take a picture of it, too!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Heirloom strawberries ready to be planted...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A wealth of gardening goodness, including a variety of organic seeds, natural pest & weed control items, tools, gloves, pots, watering cans … the list goes on. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It was a chilly spring morning, but that didn't stop these dedicated organic gardeners from attending this informative meeting of the minds. Erica had the challenge of discussing two broad subject areas within a short amount of time. A lifetime of learning within a blink of time - not the easiest task to undertake for anyone! Consequently, what she was able to share with us, along with her clearly apparent passion and dedication to organic sustainability, was well worth every minute. Her message came shining through - gardening is a labor of love; an ongoing learning experience; a holistic balance between observation, patience, and excitement for what's to come. Erica said many things that struck chords with all of us, but my favorite quote of hers was, "<i><b>Farming is about observation</b></i>." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She stressed the importance of walking your garden everyday with a keen eye; allow proper air flow between your plants (<i>knowing how eager we are to fill our gardens with many, many plants!</i>); careful watering techniques; remove diseased or discolored leaves immediately; encourage"beneficials" in your garden (<i>like birds, some insects …</i> ); crop rotation; enrich your soil with compost/manure, and to ALWAYS take the<b> least harmful action first</b>. So much great advice! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She told us a story about a large-scale producing farm where she had once worked. Her main job was to get suited up and spray the plants for insect/disease control. She had taken notice of a small toad amongst the plants, and was careful to keep an eye on him, to stay out of his way, allowing him to do his job of eating pesky insects. But there came a time when she had to spray and fulfill her duties for the farm. After that she never saw the toad again. To this day she feels remorse about her actions. I think we've all done something of this nature as we strive to be good stewards of our environment. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here is Erica with some of her attentive audience. . .</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Erica referred to the book, <u>The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control</u> by Fern Marshall Bradley, Barbara W. Ellis, and Deborah L. Martin, many times throughout the morning. She highly recommends obtaining your own copy, using it as a reference guide on a regular basis. It has fantastic pictures that will aide any gardener in identifying problems and suggestions on how to take care of them. I just ordered my copy! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And here was another reference guide she referred to as well. The <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/" target="_blank"><b>Johnny's Selected Seed</b></a> catalog, which is also full of great photos, and reference material. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">After Erica was finished offering her insights and knowledge and we each had a chance to ask our questions, everyone relaxed a bit. Anne-Marie baked homemade chocolate chip oatmeal raisin cookies for everyone to enjoy, along with a splash of lemonade to wash them down. Yum! :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then it was back to business . . . </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, Sugarbush Nursery is not your regular, run-of-the-mill plant nursery, as I'll venture to guess you already figured out. My readers know that I like to find the extraordinary businesses to highlight on my blog. Along with being super friendly, knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts, Anne-Marie and her staff members, Jan and Denise also offer sustainable landscape design; natively grown plants: perennials, trees, and shrubs; as well as non-native plants such as many of our vegetables, some herbs, and annual flowers. Between these 3 ladies, there is immense knowledge, education, and desire to bring sustainable gardening lifestyles to your home, school, or business. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here is an excerpt about Sugarbush Nursery's mission taken from their website: </span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Over the years, our mission gradually changed into becoming a native plant nursery. This was a decision driven by ecological concerns, not market forces: native plants play a crucial role in sustaining wildlife, and our over-use of non-native plants for our home landscapes has a direct effect on lowering populations of native birds and butterflies, among other wildlife. We want to be a resource for home gardeners who are looking to make a transition to including more native plants in their landscapes, but either don't know where to begin, or don't otherwise have access to these plants.</b></span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My fellow Pennsylvanians, you now have a choice to produce native eco-systems in your own backyard thanks to Anne-Marie's vision for <b><a href="http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/aboutUs.htm" target="_blank">Sugarbush Nursery</a></b>! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Jan (L) and Anne-Marie (R) allowed me the pleasure to photograph them. Thank you kindly!! You see - you are photogenic after all! ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is the only book that Sugarbush carries for their customers to read, absorb and implement:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The tomatoes were beckoning to me to take their photo also!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On my way out, I was sure to catch these "beneficial" gardening products. Building your soil up naturally with the many needed nutrients goes a L O N G way to preventing bad insects and diseases. A couple of bags of finished manure - composted material - will boost your vegetables into highly productive, healthy plants. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Be sure to stop by <a href="http://www.sugarbushnursery.com/" target="_blank">Sugarbush Nursery</a> and make your native plant purchases! Also, please be sure to tell the staff members that you saw this blog post and that I said "hi!" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Erica for sharing your wisdom, wit and encouragement. I enjoyed soaking up your words of advice, tips and stories. And thank you for allowing me to photograph you as well. :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My many thanks go out to Anne-Marie and her staff members, Jan and Denise for a great morning of perusing, photographing, and gardening enrichment adventures. I always feel comfortable, not pressured in the least when I visit your beautiful nursery. And, I always learn something new! For your kindness, and generosity I am gratefully humbled. I wish you all only the best in life. And may all your efforts produce both personal and professional success. Kudos to you ladies!! :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">With warm gratitude,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Barb </i> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com54272 Morgantown Rd, Mohnton, PA 19540, USA40.218091 -75.90739240.216575500000005 -75.9098595 40.2196065 -75.9049245tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-29190485448374470352012-03-06T08:18:00.002-08:002012-03-11T08:16:58.780-07:00Baking Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nestled amongst an 1845-1928 iron mining site and an 1880-1970 granite quarry site sits the charmingly historic <a href="http://www.livingplaces.com/PA/Chester_County/Warwick_Township/Saint_Peters.html" target="_blank">St. Peter's Village, in Chester County, PA</a>. French Creek runs through the west side of the village and behind the main street, St. Peters Road. The creek basin and beyond is filled with large granite boulders which cover the forest floor. This sweet little village began appearing in 1880, with plans of becoming a recreational weekend retreat. To this day, people continue to be attracted to St. Peter's Village, with swarms of visitors - both local and non. This has been a very favorite location of mine ever since I was a teen! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My daughters (2 of the 3, anyhow) and I carved out some special "girl time" together this past Sunday to visit the village of St. Peter's. We visited the shops - antiques, and the old-fashioned arcade gallery (complete with .25 cent pinball machines and small rides for children!), but we found our favorite to be where we lunched - <a href="http://www.saintpetersbakery.com/" target="_blank">Saint Peter's Bakery</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pEEDmKJEA8FA18aQ3yl1ucTPuQ3R8ZO0jp2CWpuHPiS9wiRiZssNtI6419X6XoiJ7B-rAyeFPajTO0_2NNBMY5Zu5lTT_Ta7KriY9dW6TDjt0AMreMnPxfC1PBTI3addBzeseGxJ5OSR/s1600/DSC08955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pEEDmKJEA8FA18aQ3yl1ucTPuQ3R8ZO0jp2CWpuHPiS9wiRiZssNtI6419X6XoiJ7B-rAyeFPajTO0_2NNBMY5Zu5lTT_Ta7KriY9dW6TDjt0AMreMnPxfC1PBTI3addBzeseGxJ5OSR/s640/DSC08955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib5Y2Vk3oCRHHu_OowLoMfONZ_ToFlbT18AQhAz5qSf3m5lCzVwt3tD5wv6YtSgcbGHX5kYp8IaV-unhwUEuwJBn7M6XHSi6Qfjich2kZdYlyaa-9s4dqOKarGJA4ry6TWgKAoAn5Qqb9/s1600/DSC09003+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib5Y2Vk3oCRHHu_OowLoMfONZ_ToFlbT18AQhAz5qSf3m5lCzVwt3tD5wv6YtSgcbGHX5kYp8IaV-unhwUEuwJBn7M6XHSi6Qfjich2kZdYlyaa-9s4dqOKarGJA4ry6TWgKAoAn5Qqb9/s640/DSC09003+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As quoted from their home website:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.saintpetersbakery.com/#!" target="_blank">Saint Peter's Bakery</a> is an artisan bakery offering fresh breads and pastries baked daily in [their] french, steam injection ovens. All of [their] breads, pastries and desserts are made on site daily from scratch. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>[They] use<a href="http://www.examiner.com/nutrition-in-philadelphia/what-is-unbleached-unbromated-flour" target="_blank"> unbleached and unbromated flours</a> and [their] dough starters date back 100 years. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>There are no preservatives in any of [their] products. </i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGvC4I1WT-qhlKybKIYaIWEiCj3vrkPZwgyRBMXckagDOPspodKC5OpVsZ6NfEVlwA6BsH-A10SCEsWEvtp_5U1knm1PRiRua_3uyXATDYE3avEMlco_47aE99ui_Aipi3DbHuKZZ8JFj/s1600/DSC08996+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGvC4I1WT-qhlKybKIYaIWEiCj3vrkPZwgyRBMXckagDOPspodKC5OpVsZ6NfEVlwA6BsH-A10SCEsWEvtp_5U1knm1PRiRua_3uyXATDYE3avEMlco_47aE99ui_Aipi3DbHuKZZ8JFj/s640/DSC08996+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79spzF_dwN8qsUoYfYZlQ8lvk-IDN_SaTT26b8FaPRpeFi1e2XQ_tIaGrF4YEAS1IuuB1A571RjazDXnzgoXPqjev8cxM0XI2f375kaorBURH9IbIato7MNnhQwRYN7fru0H86zAu31YG/s1600/DSC08957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79spzF_dwN8qsUoYfYZlQ8lvk-IDN_SaTT26b8FaPRpeFi1e2XQ_tIaGrF4YEAS1IuuB1A571RjazDXnzgoXPqjev8cxM0XI2f375kaorBURH9IbIato7MNnhQwRYN7fru0H86zAu31YG/s640/DSC08957.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The bakery was originally the village's General Store, "French Creek General Merchandise Company" and built circa 1880. The architectural design is based on Victorian utilitarian style, with the general store on the first floor, a bakery with brick ovens in the basement, and living quarters on the second floor and attic. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieYah70-d27XqEg87A6kZXs2BAenxpJNDKv-IvrqTi5q5tK6ARAO4dHdtFZce8-zDRQoo-pYVy3tiv7sHwKlBIKmFDtb4RcZUylgKMysIguBBWN2WdKUrpreG18su-wP6RTwvXrvsI4ed/s1600/DSC08959+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieYah70-d27XqEg87A6kZXs2BAenxpJNDKv-IvrqTi5q5tK6ARAO4dHdtFZce8-zDRQoo-pYVy3tiv7sHwKlBIKmFDtb4RcZUylgKMysIguBBWN2WdKUrpreG18su-wP6RTwvXrvsI4ed/s640/DSC08959+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My 2nd daughter, Alanna asked for a peanut butter & jelly sandwich (not a menu item), but the staff was more than willing to appease her appetite. :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Does anyone else have a 6 year old that eats their sandwiches by pulling them apart?! ;) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYD_rcGQFNRE6-Hh1aqpPZzm1B_fLOErqYdiqV_ATHIENR6-dBUBN9ySJPxVvURuJ7I1WyLP_Fn-JPTCoQjC-KdJ5XNFrKoQWVGsCQrw93E90dOX0SvG_XOacqfk2ThKzxUP3r1Kpvz-M/s1600/DSC08964+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYD_rcGQFNRE6-Hh1aqpPZzm1B_fLOErqYdiqV_ATHIENR6-dBUBN9ySJPxVvURuJ7I1WyLP_Fn-JPTCoQjC-KdJ5XNFrKoQWVGsCQrw93E90dOX0SvG_XOacqfk2ThKzxUP3r1Kpvz-M/s640/DSC08964+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As for my 1st daughter, Chelsea and I we opted for the scrumptious tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza. We were not at all disappointed. In fact, I'd have to say that this was the best pizza I've had in a long, long time. It was a complete melody to my taste buds, which lean mostly vegetarian. I was in pizza heaven, my friends! :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjDafHMY-1PCdBW91DCWi86zDT55VtDC3V0s6v5hx6S9HEoNYpTjWGL3phH3-LZ59A6X4sWTsUcoecQMhd_1AF3RL79nBrmXBSSTj1J8q0dT-9Kvj1wts9vSKav5-ustYqlgK4IwrkbVi/s1600/DSC08965+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjDafHMY-1PCdBW91DCWi86zDT55VtDC3V0s6v5hx6S9HEoNYpTjWGL3phH3-LZ59A6X4sWTsUcoecQMhd_1AF3RL79nBrmXBSSTj1J8q0dT-9Kvj1wts9vSKav5-ustYqlgK4IwrkbVi/s640/DSC08965+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dessert time! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhCQsDmOeluBx_f29IB5UmMYUWtrXXzaIuhjxpE6WU4rB5HjkIPozBq1A7guFnpm_1nBnAqoaTM5ur8Lnpaf5ImA3Bpu7geqQFqjTyOz85EaS7bfoEbrUTygpDpoEy_ohWiZbuTAIb4x3/s1600/DSC08979+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhCQsDmOeluBx_f29IB5UmMYUWtrXXzaIuhjxpE6WU4rB5HjkIPozBq1A7guFnpm_1nBnAqoaTM5ur8Lnpaf5ImA3Bpu7geqQFqjTyOz85EaS7bfoEbrUTygpDpoEy_ohWiZbuTAIb4x3/s640/DSC08979+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">While Alanna chose the "Rainbow Shamrock" sugar cookie, and Chelsea had the "Chocolate Chip" cookie, I went for the "Cowboy" cookie and Jamaican roast coffee! Fierce, I tell you. Another treat for the senses. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRclRv7x9wCacARDCcNeUHFHWB9yaewUImEQs3PhdZEdBIdEIbMMIWCNL-gBLPL8-ApG2BMkDBuR6yQt1-BKfgFwALX4BTjwBW2uhMH5XvX1RR0jrFjRgwvCtjxnoW5DrJAk4FHuq_YCE-/s1600/DSC08981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRclRv7x9wCacARDCcNeUHFHWB9yaewUImEQs3PhdZEdBIdEIbMMIWCNL-gBLPL8-ApG2BMkDBuR6yQt1-BKfgFwALX4BTjwBW2uhMH5XvX1RR0jrFjRgwvCtjxnoW5DrJAk4FHuq_YCE-/s640/DSC08981.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVQD_utmKOpfNIGAqo-kjXKnczqGW4v5Yc-Zajyj9ZC0EqljAop4TpaNx5UaKpGRBCTfQc74MvOqEenkZ6loC3j2sgZVA40B2eyB6csAgtrwmGR6mt8l182FeCyszZsZjacrZ6X6kVuQ0/s1600/DSC08985+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVQD_utmKOpfNIGAqo-kjXKnczqGW4v5Yc-Zajyj9ZC0EqljAop4TpaNx5UaKpGRBCTfQc74MvOqEenkZ6loC3j2sgZVA40B2eyB6csAgtrwmGR6mt8l182FeCyszZsZjacrZ6X6kVuQ0/s640/DSC08985+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The bakery has a comfy little sitting area inside by their bay window in front, along with a large covered porch. In the back, they have a sprawling deck which overlooks the boulders and creek. The perfect place to linger with friends. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Alanna found the "Big Woods" map enjoyable and mapped out our next stop. We, with our full, contented bellies, were off!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgPqxv2kG1ZcNF1hZ0FkB7dtOHs6nbUxDCLP5dBd9uFs3e9hBQKDealT-q-3RObtC1iiA2a6uw3hXbIJSzfTNAXI96BVgdK1k30eae_paf_NjY8eS9D6JiAFeQ2QJWW_QvH4FLcRKPKps/s1600/DSC08993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgPqxv2kG1ZcNF1hZ0FkB7dtOHs6nbUxDCLP5dBd9uFs3e9hBQKDealT-q-3RObtC1iiA2a6uw3hXbIJSzfTNAXI96BVgdK1k30eae_paf_NjY8eS9D6JiAFeQ2QJWW_QvH4FLcRKPKps/s640/DSC08993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaKREsm1FGOlWBLhg-OyU4oJ9cycfoJ4-Nd0gEQrASjVdRWLSfdu4LyVa7FdPUHjGX2SU7WkSDgjN_WHfktvFAHOue9SIwENazzdfP-yRknj-Ate2iiYiQ4WhXFeFRuSDGmfTiJIYkTUK/s1600/DSC08951+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaKREsm1FGOlWBLhg-OyU4oJ9cycfoJ4-Nd0gEQrASjVdRWLSfdu4LyVa7FdPUHjGX2SU7WkSDgjN_WHfktvFAHOue9SIwENazzdfP-yRknj-Ate2iiYiQ4WhXFeFRuSDGmfTiJIYkTUK/s640/DSC08951+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The next time you get the urge to take a weekend road trip, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.livingplaces.com/PA/Chester_County/Warwick_Township/Saint_Peters.html" target="_blank">St. Peter's Village</a>. There's much to see and do!! And also, be sure to stop in at <a href="http://www.saintpetersbakery.com/#!" target="_blank">Saint Peter's Bakery</a> along the way and tell them "hello" for me! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks again,<a href="http://www.saintpetersbakery.com/#!" target="_blank"> Saint Peter's Bakery</a> for the wonderful, inviting atmosphere, cheery staff members, great tunes streaming, and most of all, for your delicious artisan style lunch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Till we meet again!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'bye for now,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Barb </i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com0St Peters, Warwick, PA 19465, USA40.1800972 -75.73075419999997840.1145207 -75.847483699999984 40.2456737 -75.614024699999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-18763263127237561922012-02-27T12:23:00.001-08:002012-02-29T12:47:24.730-08:00The Sweet Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We found our destination, <a href="http://www.jmakiwinery.com/" target="_blank">J Maki Winery</a> 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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> 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!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2ihY5cSJbvQkiUcXsztyzLg0fVUCF0FEaljRO6QOTdN_1-OtBjLSSBWrJfUvL9fvn2rIHxWQqJyPbZ8Hl4R8p0CpAGfePfiKjGF0Ponesd2Eai4Ho9SdCzG9f1w3JuDW52R-_YXVsVhG/s1600/DSC08903+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2ihY5cSJbvQkiUcXsztyzLg0fVUCF0FEaljRO6QOTdN_1-OtBjLSSBWrJfUvL9fvn2rIHxWQqJyPbZ8Hl4R8p0CpAGfePfiKjGF0Ponesd2Eai4Ho9SdCzG9f1w3JuDW52R-_YXVsVhG/s640/DSC08903+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVYhGnBSaLRC-ZwTGQzgqmRPzbvO8IVQn0pM6JPCJBwnzE8yDFauL8PRtEfQC4wp5of_xv6g9mWmPydqoA68xyE2ZU5wBg6So94AKCauGJ_3bDKRzRB2Jt020Z1OBL3IJ-Ai4_dPZ-QCF/s1600/DSC08828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVYhGnBSaLRC-ZwTGQzgqmRPzbvO8IVQn0pM6JPCJBwnzE8yDFauL8PRtEfQC4wp5of_xv6g9mWmPydqoA68xyE2ZU5wBg6So94AKCauGJ_3bDKRzRB2Jt020Z1OBL3IJ-Ai4_dPZ-QCF/s640/DSC08828.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCHLrGNiA65CPChaQaLIIEfwn_GvVt6E4j0-9SE5oXq6NP-eko0OCdvT6Q0PWpaU3HJP2PhHktm-NR0bemNHZPP5sNhC4CrU9SahuYUsTnWdxVtxKrBA5mgY6bgHi0imfjxZOosX-aj5Z/s1600/DSC08834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCHLrGNiA65CPChaQaLIIEfwn_GvVt6E4j0-9SE5oXq6NP-eko0OCdvT6Q0PWpaU3HJP2PhHktm-NR0bemNHZPP5sNhC4CrU9SahuYUsTnWdxVtxKrBA5mgY6bgHi0imfjxZOosX-aj5Z/s640/DSC08834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS3YW7jLzMhlsjfXN56LLRehL59C5-2pijshVrfd6i6h2oTo9JxQ-nqpSBallD0arkQaof2L-2Jsz262Une1rSs9pmqWBOq1246AuTCE5aEAJrsfX-tOTrVihbZqDHo_wUGEC3ql9ytRM/s1600/DSC08837+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS3YW7jLzMhlsjfXN56LLRehL59C5-2pijshVrfd6i6h2oTo9JxQ-nqpSBallD0arkQaof2L-2Jsz262Une1rSs9pmqWBOq1246AuTCE5aEAJrsfX-tOTrVihbZqDHo_wUGEC3ql9ytRM/s640/DSC08837+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnu-TBAuzLjbF3ytpeEPcXx2NOAtPBEHPx-uUQzUQlGBUsKLlqjf-ESsa5trtP0lm_mclF17IEHhNJGwU00p_M9oWPyZEOJ3TzYOKPqwm-RMkNxT4aJ0TBBNIdIAhKM_ExypSvDNhU1Yd/s1600/DSC08875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnu-TBAuzLjbF3ytpeEPcXx2NOAtPBEHPx-uUQzUQlGBUsKLlqjf-ESsa5trtP0lm_mclF17IEHhNJGwU00p_M9oWPyZEOJ3TzYOKPqwm-RMkNxT4aJ0TBBNIdIAhKM_ExypSvDNhU1Yd/s640/DSC08875.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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 <b><i>with</i></b> the land, <b><i>with</i></b> mother nature, and <b><i>with</i></b> the seasons of time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">After tasting some of his beloved sweet delights, I am convinced he knows what he's talking about!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ReSiJ-RKQyA7HEwREVyi0fxxA2NMwP4zKoEGxRTdMOu8F9pCVJXGpEzBlNL1A2B_M89w-vGaIFKRPGfbqbnfjK_HTcn3nGF1_xmZL7jj3JeK4WKRvM-9nKyht6Arbd1X7eXf9CEymCp4/s1600/DSC08864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ReSiJ-RKQyA7HEwREVyi0fxxA2NMwP4zKoEGxRTdMOu8F9pCVJXGpEzBlNL1A2B_M89w-vGaIFKRPGfbqbnfjK_HTcn3nGF1_xmZL7jj3JeK4WKRvM-9nKyht6Arbd1X7eXf9CEymCp4/s640/DSC08864.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ8WdxWURZSS3iIhdG17wpECSQYEn6CS9M5X_kSb7oIJmiYCvpMp-7f8TWQPjMVmtd-aOndenDxbd0ACWqolTJChAuE-RUuACSgK46CcNwkaOOyXI3c3AegsvArXc830-dUB3n7HLhYak/s1600/DSC08865+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ8WdxWURZSS3iIhdG17wpECSQYEn6CS9M5X_kSb7oIJmiYCvpMp-7f8TWQPjMVmtd-aOndenDxbd0ACWqolTJChAuE-RUuACSgK46CcNwkaOOyXI3c3AegsvArXc830-dUB3n7HLhYak/s640/DSC08865+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Jim and Janet Maki's <a href="http://www.jmakiwinery.com/" target="_blank">winery</a> has "crafted the only American Champagne to <i><b>ever </b></i>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!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRvj38jD66UxfUXh5usbJ7dY6LPV9VQbEqk287QkeEZuTkhMCNP-4H2Aue3PS1Xqm1cu-NJEDJkyrmy1CHleqfYYHIGpnvDDMzHxjtE9RltatgOZkXnTjgKKQ-x_prQcksMrv-iT9MTE2/s1600/DSC08851+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRvj38jD66UxfUXh5usbJ7dY6LPV9VQbEqk287QkeEZuTkhMCNP-4H2Aue3PS1Xqm1cu-NJEDJkyrmy1CHleqfYYHIGpnvDDMzHxjtE9RltatgOZkXnTjgKKQ-x_prQcksMrv-iT9MTE2/s640/DSC08851+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here's a quote from <a href="http://www.jmakiwinery.com/" target="_blank">J. Maki Winery's</a> wine/champagne list that I thought you might enjoy: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne." </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~ John Maynard Keynes ~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9FqNPgiv9rYbj_pHLO7pYSkdmCThRkfan46hiPZdZkGMw2to2Uix0GULOZ6Ww1gsD5JMYnpmnhQJGuNVL22Q8RBKa56fEdU-A904l02PDV0n4qgUtu6hDztLtHfQuCeFbFxbmj0rsgpT/s1600/DSC08881+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9FqNPgiv9rYbj_pHLO7pYSkdmCThRkfan46hiPZdZkGMw2to2Uix0GULOZ6Ww1gsD5JMYnpmnhQJGuNVL22Q8RBKa56fEdU-A904l02PDV0n4qgUtu6hDztLtHfQuCeFbFxbmj0rsgpT/s640/DSC08881+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba372ho_rnY6wser3fkBlteVioXhjy-ednSXw7Ifq115dlrINrjUlmHKSeV88Vn9EwKFipx2133_8A2h1mydXdOw0EHbTuribAtAThgFy9PgO8jc1T8dEzqsNZjxW0JxU9RGrXMLs3Wcz/s1600/DSC08854+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba372ho_rnY6wser3fkBlteVioXhjy-ednSXw7Ifq115dlrINrjUlmHKSeV88Vn9EwKFipx2133_8A2h1mydXdOw0EHbTuribAtAThgFy9PgO8jc1T8dEzqsNZjxW0JxU9RGrXMLs3Wcz/s640/DSC08854+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMNFvrpIU5n8cXXVnwbWC1ZROqGnCIUlcL7EjY2Vdc-xVIaPQYy-NVNPoU51jk96eXChc7rC3MexhnvNJscoBiSmiFEursk4ZPUb-4_tsv2tlbGtoqG73aQDxsmf7AUjk8iH0IWuhiObo/s1600/DSC08867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMNFvrpIU5n8cXXVnwbWC1ZROqGnCIUlcL7EjY2Vdc-xVIaPQYy-NVNPoU51jk96eXChc7rC3MexhnvNJscoBiSmiFEursk4ZPUb-4_tsv2tlbGtoqG73aQDxsmf7AUjk8iH0IWuhiObo/s640/DSC08867.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbu5W_81Mna4PqbNz9wsVCUr2aJeZjaTNeFV5YHfBImPHonIyj8YOA2KBTOYLMMQ4upiOf9XmMWwkcZ_PnmlZ0kgF0vb3enhMmLn-m6n9QoF_uInWaOuE3dXXPaZpNZtBZPUQcj7eTmd_/s1600/DSC08870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbu5W_81Mna4PqbNz9wsVCUr2aJeZjaTNeFV5YHfBImPHonIyj8YOA2KBTOYLMMQ4upiOf9XmMWwkcZ_PnmlZ0kgF0vb3enhMmLn-m6n9QoF_uInWaOuE3dXXPaZpNZtBZPUQcj7eTmd_/s640/DSC08870.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2qfEmqgeGvbEWWfIwAroi0Mss_NUm6evhhc6Aag3mJzQKNLUZwn_nnTWrn1uxlJ4Nv7TVgZ_lcHnbG_kE9-JISUbtdzQ6mq0rMjCDNG6zjp8wFOfckDR73nVk4f7_i593jiPY0wJC1U3/s1600/DSC08869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2qfEmqgeGvbEWWfIwAroi0Mss_NUm6evhhc6Aag3mJzQKNLUZwn_nnTWrn1uxlJ4Nv7TVgZ_lcHnbG_kE9-JISUbtdzQ6mq0rMjCDNG6zjp8wFOfckDR73nVk4f7_i593jiPY0wJC1U3/s640/DSC08869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqIyWlkF4S3pdulDB6XBY3QrANqJrMRMudMq_2wC3Kt6aKhnWZ67wbO88soePvEHB-zjPJqM8c47FyF1HIBTnEMifQpHudT-mExaDdvtJaVxPfzCRpk6uAyNrclCqtaj3hdGv1rYF2_17/s1600/DSC08857+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqIyWlkF4S3pdulDB6XBY3QrANqJrMRMudMq_2wC3Kt6aKhnWZ67wbO88soePvEHB-zjPJqM8c47FyF1HIBTnEMifQpHudT-mExaDdvtJaVxPfzCRpk6uAyNrclCqtaj3hdGv1rYF2_17/s640/DSC08857+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb7wDVGNWHf5iJY0FhrLNrbhPinn2T0L-M_MGFeTWsy_N-_PgRIgjqAqtSZsMUbxyeb6dk1ly4BeaZZDwAHe9ALmqm1_kcC7ZFmarkRTaalT5WsaTjL9yLV3Giib-xpyQ6bxfQLjtlJDy/s1600/DSC08879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb7wDVGNWHf5iJY0FhrLNrbhPinn2T0L-M_MGFeTWsy_N-_PgRIgjqAqtSZsMUbxyeb6dk1ly4BeaZZDwAHe9ALmqm1_kcC7ZFmarkRTaalT5WsaTjL9yLV3Giib-xpyQ6bxfQLjtlJDy/s640/DSC08879.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEecY_9uUlhyphenhyphenmvDkLMKhhzS4ejiwJgiEHtYb-Wp-QRn-qKe8kGv41Ma_0nBXxn7sUFSAhyphenhyphenyHG68J_18RcyPP65yyDY4_hR4-jX9eEFnDYkv7suECCihMoCUTFUEmR_-gr9YK9xxyr0XT1M/s1600/DSC08887copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEecY_9uUlhyphenhyphenmvDkLMKhhzS4ejiwJgiEHtYb-Wp-QRn-qKe8kGv41Ma_0nBXxn7sUFSAhyphenhyphenyHG68J_18RcyPP65yyDY4_hR4-jX9eEFnDYkv7suECCihMoCUTFUEmR_-gr9YK9xxyr0XT1M/s640/DSC08887copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As quoted from <a href="http://www.jmakiwinery.com/" target="_blank">J. Maki Winery's</a> brochure:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>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. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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, <a href="http://www.jmakiwinery.com/" target="_blank">J. Maki Winery</a> - Here's to your continued success, succulent, productive vineyards, and outstanding wine. Cheers, friends!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Until we meet again, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Bye for now,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Barb</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>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!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com0Elverson, PA 19520, USA40.156764 -75.83270879999997840.147332000000006 -75.846268799999976 40.166196 -75.819148799999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-86020010621265278372012-02-18T18:56:00.002-08:002012-02-19T20:47:22.648-08:00A Good Book Has No Ending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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, <a href="http://www.wiseowlbookstore.com/" target="_blank">The Wise Owl Bookstore</a> with a story to tell and a purpose to fulfill. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Won't you come inside? The company is particularly warm and welcoming. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AsK_zOlizVA9SUBnCmzp_Jto7YYpsFaY_EbM22HiTurNo12O6dv9kRabKj_j0wSanIiXAKlP9ZDBS4jebfFyDhT68ym-_E0zqhOBRs-740SS_8MVkhQSO7Ahyphenhyphen43tmJzlKKC2vZtmvaED/s1600/DSC08610+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AsK_zOlizVA9SUBnCmzp_Jto7YYpsFaY_EbM22HiTurNo12O6dv9kRabKj_j0wSanIiXAKlP9ZDBS4jebfFyDhT68ym-_E0zqhOBRs-740SS_8MVkhQSO7Ahyphenhyphen43tmJzlKKC2vZtmvaED/s640/DSC08610+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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 <a href="http://www.wiseowlbookstore.com/" target="_blank">The Wise Owl Bookstore</a> 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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS3fBO0xTU07alTe91MNSRqwFmhYc9rlcek_X4OWtuvY-FsbjLiED_NlUQyEdwXIsTFMvfR6Nxa-bcndBAoiAU9Umj6rv1wGlS8LM_CbrwJNqOLqgGrNTLvVwvxRCneqc6jKOVSpdboCB/s1600/DSC08604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS3fBO0xTU07alTe91MNSRqwFmhYc9rlcek_X4OWtuvY-FsbjLiED_NlUQyEdwXIsTFMvfR6Nxa-bcndBAoiAU9Umj6rv1wGlS8LM_CbrwJNqOLqgGrNTLvVwvxRCneqc6jKOVSpdboCB/s640/DSC08604.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Drwf0OBpRONbTUdvjrwR_YvFHCVI-WV5jEg-bniW3p12AsrwclKrlUpYbAoTerbDsffhcNHVP43QFl5gXq9fXib7ABqCQM0XjKZ-AQ7c2qvphLpjrs8nI3OLkyFDavTuiwjqyP1mSWA/s1600/DSC08592+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Drwf0OBpRONbTUdvjrwR_YvFHCVI-WV5jEg-bniW3p12AsrwclKrlUpYbAoTerbDsffhcNHVP43QFl5gXq9fXib7ABqCQM0XjKZ-AQ7c2qvphLpjrs8nI3OLkyFDavTuiwjqyP1mSWA/s640/DSC08592+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViLrw_eoOghOPdNuFenxSsWBhC3JZTUoSnppyC1tflWFfqrFy5aKtJ9TJBEUDPEPp6pEHPXmUmaj0jMnPLvE8825Jxql50icQEe5tXxv5wZS2EgMSTID4sI22WWUEw9ni2JsfTb8DJs3z/s1600/DSC08603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViLrw_eoOghOPdNuFenxSsWBhC3JZTUoSnppyC1tflWFfqrFy5aKtJ9TJBEUDPEPp6pEHPXmUmaj0jMnPLvE8825Jxql50icQEe5tXxv5wZS2EgMSTID4sI22WWUEw9ni2JsfTb8DJs3z/s640/DSC08603.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's a little bit of everything within these walls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kira is not only an eclectic buyer and seller of books, but she sells her friends' artwork, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This lady is my kind of woman! ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsmZmYh1wdWdNMu8kPK817rBmKhcRWlvVlzstyAxlG451nESxOug0PIfYwPzuwvvzU2gHAR7BdxXsjakP2xcAo_-E-mE09-g3BuK_74QdqD_B-xQvPKWp07gJL99r_mD8p8UekGQKaI9c/s1600/DSC08587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsmZmYh1wdWdNMu8kPK817rBmKhcRWlvVlzstyAxlG451nESxOug0PIfYwPzuwvvzU2gHAR7BdxXsjakP2xcAo_-E-mE09-g3BuK_74QdqD_B-xQvPKWp07gJL99r_mD8p8UekGQKaI9c/s640/DSC08587.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDX9A0EzYG4HIko7lhgqPYF2tTEI3l3cfsmHvWCK-fiUSHE7aErLIPYoMRSshQPOimPnuVIm1fDWwVT_4X4-qIA0gzlM9IhgQPGuO55AFrMsG_hJ8GW36vF4It11jzPNovr0epMScfIHT/s1600/DSC08588+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDX9A0EzYG4HIko7lhgqPYF2tTEI3l3cfsmHvWCK-fiUSHE7aErLIPYoMRSshQPOimPnuVIm1fDWwVT_4X4-qIA0gzlM9IhgQPGuO55AFrMsG_hJ8GW36vF4It11jzPNovr0epMScfIHT/s400/DSC08588+copy.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtn8WJyOwM_EP0PSfAclc_y0OygFFs_1xKlQ39HUuxPZzDTm2iC2yXH3tXPt2ZkFfjdbM1oXo_KlM1YnEZw9mpapzsE1MNzX7Gql6k_80dEFl1A2dS6Q_RTxxqoS1EHiyjX88FT4E7zv8/s1600/DSC08608+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtn8WJyOwM_EP0PSfAclc_y0OygFFs_1xKlQ39HUuxPZzDTm2iC2yXH3tXPt2ZkFfjdbM1oXo_KlM1YnEZw9mpapzsE1MNzX7Gql6k_80dEFl1A2dS6Q_RTxxqoS1EHiyjX88FT4E7zv8/s400/DSC08608+copy.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5WXAnN2FXUrkmMgA0Ni2RS0mbf-qvsol8fepAgoLr9hyphenhyphenkYzfGIeYeWgpPwjxF9SVEzMRdKtC-i5zN3pwZw30HTXyoeN6eLcZFayX-pchWoEvUEzgvm_LBh8Ie9oRIxsIvbW1QtH9DdPU/s1600/DSC08602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5WXAnN2FXUrkmMgA0Ni2RS0mbf-qvsol8fepAgoLr9hyphenhyphenkYzfGIeYeWgpPwjxF9SVEzMRdKtC-i5zN3pwZw30HTXyoeN6eLcZFayX-pchWoEvUEzgvm_LBh8Ie9oRIxsIvbW1QtH9DdPU/s640/DSC08602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The lovely, well-read, Kira even gave me permission to take her photo. ( Thank you!! ) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYWe0W7NephnSyE9l08xlcl-wobrYGHuS5OcI90XblGB-7vr8xrKbttGkMT469xV_56mhayWQXVrEjzcw5gQEK1j0dzNeEw8piGvQ7Ix_4I35C97pws5Zw8Fh5_LA7XIboPZLG5anCayi/s1600/DSC08589+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYWe0W7NephnSyE9l08xlcl-wobrYGHuS5OcI90XblGB-7vr8xrKbttGkMT469xV_56mhayWQXVrEjzcw5gQEK1j0dzNeEw8piGvQ7Ix_4I35C97pws5Zw8Fh5_LA7XIboPZLG5anCayi/s640/DSC08589+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did I mention that<b> The Wise Owl</b> has an entire room dedicated to children's literature?! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sweet candy for the soul!! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJ6v_jKcN6DKclFRF6ofz6lSCkEFu78Ual_IrE1QcsCkLtajHZAV0J-Dynbzr5KrXbioqpmHZWK3TlXLv4heSsJk5DYp8J40XtzHlsH_XTPk9SJcimTyn4xGrsOM-Bcld7SsCPeImNnn/s1600/DSC08583+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJ6v_jKcN6DKclFRF6ofz6lSCkEFu78Ual_IrE1QcsCkLtajHZAV0J-Dynbzr5KrXbioqpmHZWK3TlXLv4heSsJk5DYp8J40XtzHlsH_XTPk9SJcimTyn4xGrsOM-Bcld7SsCPeImNnn/s640/DSC08583+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V11zOmiVbGwOhbf6CVqhHOeLsV8G7zZy1gUFgvPKRxPc6Y_iCgEU0df8jMXqIFpb_um7-jieoz3d-AHAI9d6e8ki550D5osMfJ2_6qlJ3exxSJmnx-txOp8MEHV1s3WpK55C8osh3YbU/s1600/DSC08568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V11zOmiVbGwOhbf6CVqhHOeLsV8G7zZy1gUFgvPKRxPc6Y_iCgEU0df8jMXqIFpb_um7-jieoz3d-AHAI9d6e8ki550D5osMfJ2_6qlJ3exxSJmnx-txOp8MEHV1s3WpK55C8osh3YbU/s640/DSC08568.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKiqNE0AfTBEfrifgJiArsTOu9hJDKSnujIIOl_a9uPdgz4SmGFuJ-lW87krO6f7qbqBiKL0fh2zpwtt_btucw-4EHnzvYubY32FZO5bx913l1ddr_d53mjru_SMmkYwPpbtOa5XJO5E_/s1600/DSC08575+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKiqNE0AfTBEfrifgJiArsTOu9hJDKSnujIIOl_a9uPdgz4SmGFuJ-lW87krO6f7qbqBiKL0fh2zpwtt_btucw-4EHnzvYubY32FZO5bx913l1ddr_d53mjru_SMmkYwPpbtOa5XJO5E_/s640/DSC08575+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpnqhEPK1KskhvJxLYK4E6eWzUgqzY7k8QR9EDnDfPQWYK5Fr1juiO7aiE74R3syBh217hzbFuGe4RyCBXlAHPDkDdfSfJkOJyWX0PtBNWfr_oRGywnmJhYFsb4Vq3lpdqwx-Uq3j2nut/s1600/DSC08579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpnqhEPK1KskhvJxLYK4E6eWzUgqzY7k8QR9EDnDfPQWYK5Fr1juiO7aiE74R3syBh217hzbFuGe4RyCBXlAHPDkDdfSfJkOJyWX0PtBNWfr_oRGywnmJhYFsb4Vq3lpdqwx-Uq3j2nut/s640/DSC08579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVGVrkISxWHf5fDA5Kezq6fmMU12Wgs_P_JT8OElDf7OT1eI9WX6Zil8D-2mJmbP-yUzgP8xQGoQi0P95ik66roGVXoqWm6wB61tzroHqGuAswjhh9yvNFsM6QiRwZww7syY2pmx80phx/s1600/DSC08572+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVGVrkISxWHf5fDA5Kezq6fmMU12Wgs_P_JT8OElDf7OT1eI9WX6Zil8D-2mJmbP-yUzgP8xQGoQi0P95ik66roGVXoqWm6wB61tzroHqGuAswjhh9yvNFsM6QiRwZww7syY2pmx80phx/s640/DSC08572+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As quoted on <a href="http://www.wiseowlbookstore.com/" target="_blank">The Wise Owl</a> bookmark: <i>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></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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* ;) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 <a href="http://www.wiseowlbookstore.com/" target="_blank">The Wise Owl Bookstore</a> 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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we were departing, I caught notice of some framed artwork that read:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ A special Irish blessing from the heart of a friend ~ </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>May good fortune be yours, may your joys never end." </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy reading! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bye for now,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Barb</i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com4West Reading, PA, USA40.333703799999988 -75.9474321999999840.326735299999989 -75.955436699999979 40.340672299999987 -75.939427699999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245230194440743801.post-70497133849759499762012-02-05T09:34:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:44:59.816-08:00Let the Projects BEGIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxJpIm9f3xqTU-dGREdOkgOcn7F2qHGX-ysqQjWlG9-FMWfqrs7NWDhBFyL6YB0YkiHOhcrZi9rT3zrgtWMUuS8A7Xfah6q77HO_oBJ_if3nw9_N-yTRits8AZdnw4_SCZmEb7tT15mV/s1600/DSC08350+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxJpIm9f3xqTU-dGREdOkgOcn7F2qHGX-ysqQjWlG9-FMWfqrs7NWDhBFyL6YB0YkiHOhcrZi9rT3zrgtWMUuS8A7Xfah6q77HO_oBJ_if3nw9_N-yTRits8AZdnw4_SCZmEb7tT15mV/s1600/DSC08350+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxJpIm9f3xqTU-dGREdOkgOcn7F2qHGX-ysqQjWlG9-FMWfqrs7NWDhBFyL6YB0YkiHOhcrZi9rT3zrgtWMUuS8A7Xfah6q77HO_oBJ_if3nw9_N-yTRits8AZdnw4_SCZmEb7tT15mV/s1600/DSC08350+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoxJpIm9f3xqTU-dGREdOkgOcn7F2qHGX-ysqQjWlG9-FMWfqrs7NWDhBFyL6YB0YkiHOhcrZi9rT3zrgtWMUuS8A7Xfah6q77HO_oBJ_if3nw9_N-yTRits8AZdnw4_SCZmEb7tT15mV/s640/DSC08350+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">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. </div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-tzThFAszJXduoaVFSRoQUy830Mtk8PWeO8DJKeHXeG7J4M6cuWneSj8-PXewy_y6CbYtXlObUoHUaTQLMDjrstQw9gN75PdK71QKvEcvVJ3U8IFdrruTO8RpfQ-wUP12IojnO2YSBmu/s1600/DSC08349+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-tzThFAszJXduoaVFSRoQUy830Mtk8PWeO8DJKeHXeG7J4M6cuWneSj8-PXewy_y6CbYtXlObUoHUaTQLMDjrstQw9gN75PdK71QKvEcvVJ3U8IFdrruTO8RpfQ-wUP12IojnO2YSBmu/s640/DSC08349+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was warmly greeted by the animals with an eager, inquisitive nature. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_92OERaCihmwGhIMpK509XTbLd4uMtNXVs3icUrDO3tqzeENwG1xrrxf2xUmq12SMJXiisua0yxkgT2ThLX0URLTr09iTyVN_hmksVFdIlIgVYHQGv9AFoHVSlom4d9BWg3IQaiag08Z/s1600/DSC08478+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_92OERaCihmwGhIMpK509XTbLd4uMtNXVs3icUrDO3tqzeENwG1xrrxf2xUmq12SMJXiisua0yxkgT2ThLX0URLTr09iTyVN_hmksVFdIlIgVYHQGv9AFoHVSlom4d9BWg3IQaiag08Z/s640/DSC08478+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EnEMR3hp-9IA3wi7_dko8jPMzvfLnTAnNSkRe-QWxqB5yl2Ia03NueLODf5wmSK3bqq2jxO4pxXh-2e9yZCXS9vE6M3yJls7tb7D4RvMF1gG1OoE-YefrA3_nT__1hnlRJPsavE7Cdr4/s1600/DSC08485+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EnEMR3hp-9IA3wi7_dko8jPMzvfLnTAnNSkRe-QWxqB5yl2Ia03NueLODf5wmSK3bqq2jxO4pxXh-2e9yZCXS9vE6M3yJls7tb7D4RvMF1gG1OoE-YefrA3_nT__1hnlRJPsavE7Cdr4/s640/DSC08485+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BIX62cY7GpBYig_7Vqyppcwq_onf31VCk2QbAFf15XrN8QquW-wIsT7ru1f7jNsE_Y17bP45nnynIeUWoJpBX1ZMFrCj_7uVCNiPNpAHsL802tFkmOe9hrTZLxQPqZvMkicxTS-vDJEA/s1600/DSC08389+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BIX62cY7GpBYig_7Vqyppcwq_onf31VCk2QbAFf15XrN8QquW-wIsT7ru1f7jNsE_Y17bP45nnynIeUWoJpBX1ZMFrCj_7uVCNiPNpAHsL802tFkmOe9hrTZLxQPqZvMkicxTS-vDJEA/s640/DSC08389+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyugwid1rKEYzbQ9ssjZclr3uWGkDFOyX72tP5VdNrnNvb0U6ptOgyjdJPzkqxUrEoROeyzxGYGNyzV5BScS70fjlp82uddxO4xtDXr9E_AGUTfJMR5s_03t5xxrzIiNrfbDSCGwjRtgGj/s1600/DSC08381+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyugwid1rKEYzbQ9ssjZclr3uWGkDFOyX72tP5VdNrnNvb0U6ptOgyjdJPzkqxUrEoROeyzxGYGNyzV5BScS70fjlp82uddxO4xtDXr9E_AGUTfJMR5s_03t5xxrzIiNrfbDSCGwjRtgGj/s640/DSC08381+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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 -<b> G</b>enetically <b>M</b>odified <b>O</b>rganisms) 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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, I'll get off my soap box now and get back to this haven of natural and organic food offerings! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Sorry for the rant, but this GMO stuff gets me in a tizzy!!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Onwards and upwards, as they say…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD3P2zniA2-bQFjq6tjDmuhPCFIcB0yvV1SZgPlaXEnu7hm31EhvzmUt6xKSDTptqoQHb7aqHvBmWcw1RuyfQBLUG1HOIbVxz4FWEaC4pUDIjzddwXQM_y_XnVGzLGYVLGRmpUz-3OGjs/s1600/DSC08393+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD3P2zniA2-bQFjq6tjDmuhPCFIcB0yvV1SZgPlaXEnu7hm31EhvzmUt6xKSDTptqoQHb7aqHvBmWcw1RuyfQBLUG1HOIbVxz4FWEaC4pUDIjzddwXQM_y_XnVGzLGYVLGRmpUz-3OGjs/s640/DSC08393+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0W5r9ovtquGuhgm001JrMPcLJPYW6-Z2AAtht5Of4-_NDSMrHELI4xgCQ6OqSzrTxYkh62PKVjfB7au_Jb2TPLVSrXMBdmsrSRntr_ObLjwKDHBeOjm14T53K8ebav4_g4ZvB5HCLLM/s1600/DSC08382+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0W5r9ovtquGuhgm001JrMPcLJPYW6-Z2AAtht5Of4-_NDSMrHELI4xgCQ6OqSzrTxYkh62PKVjfB7au_Jb2TPLVSrXMBdmsrSRntr_ObLjwKDHBeOjm14T53K8ebav4_g4ZvB5HCLLM/s640/DSC08382+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Come inside! Grab a basket or cart and begin your shopping experience . . .</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The staff (and patrons) are friendly people that like to help, lend an ear, offer advice, and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">encourage healthy eating and lifestyles…</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZExR9ldUzYI2Wu0CSWW0q0Em0Od0NEr8joCtx0gEWPwpUrv3QYJ8sxiqookEfyQ2B-1qesJNZAGsYtbNQe0WhyphenhyphenkjOEk7hcZyiNiZ4vXcA98N9XfI0BC8hdPxSr3dHh7jNthvGXVxGCqd0/s1600/DSC08471+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZExR9ldUzYI2Wu0CSWW0q0Em0Od0NEr8joCtx0gEWPwpUrv3QYJ8sxiqookEfyQ2B-1qesJNZAGsYtbNQe0WhyphenhyphenkjOEk7hcZyiNiZ4vXcA98N9XfI0BC8hdPxSr3dHh7jNthvGXVxGCqd0/s640/DSC08471+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI95c-u6RP3IU0tqCWfVmb_SYoaxBFYKtYWMScawm_msK5OL8ZpjtFmea7NMVwbKNFbI1ZJlYAJ7DEuWXKPtXv-tNNJRPG4tmNbpXLPEAXVUSZv7W_42A2qwlHpHWbREUKqPJvafw7pVG/s1600/DSC08401+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI95c-u6RP3IU0tqCWfVmb_SYoaxBFYKtYWMScawm_msK5OL8ZpjtFmea7NMVwbKNFbI1ZJlYAJ7DEuWXKPtXv-tNNJRPG4tmNbpXLPEAXVUSZv7W_42A2qwlHpHWbREUKqPJvafw7pVG/s640/DSC08401+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> 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.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4z7BnY8dOd_T93wGXI7Bh4P5nfFnNQctctW-qHVBpBz1stjCZawqVdEN-AFFcBO6eusTjYAQUx3NibzH9g-uU3uslcr6oXALC25Fq5zzkIuQ2OtrH187GR8LJbV1N6KzeHIcJP6ihiKt/s1600/DSC08477+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4z7BnY8dOd_T93wGXI7Bh4P5nfFnNQctctW-qHVBpBz1stjCZawqVdEN-AFFcBO6eusTjYAQUx3NibzH9g-uU3uslcr6oXALC25Fq5zzkIuQ2OtrH187GR8LJbV1N6KzeHIcJP6ihiKt/s640/DSC08477+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0MtRECgIUIgk9sCeRzg_0flpGqp1fiRCvkZ2e6TUMSvmw7Jat5ON0tQT3N6g-8lRa1roRAASDbBzL3eaayiwO3SJk2nlwmEJf8oLdVi8rhVPJG5zNYL31njaPKXHNIghVjvXqOl0JphD/s1600/DSC08383+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0MtRECgIUIgk9sCeRzg_0flpGqp1fiRCvkZ2e6TUMSvmw7Jat5ON0tQT3N6g-8lRa1roRAASDbBzL3eaayiwO3SJk2nlwmEJf8oLdVi8rhVPJG5zNYL31njaPKXHNIghVjvXqOl0JphD/s640/DSC08383+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Erica and Mr. Hartz combined efforts to start <a href="http://www.bhorganicproduce.com/" target="_blank">B & H Organic Produce</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As quoted from their brochure:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"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." </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 - <a href="http://www.bhorganicproduce.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bhorganicproduce.com/</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_utYQ8C6xOZt9YOEiL_FoBjGdbxeXzlqwk5gN0sQxcaxGLyojeqPQrceBHAZYLKcgOluv7jSJ8as_9gga9ZmK6zlmygDtk1WTTrHCNAPx7EjCObFSzJTykU3Pe45e47DH3I0ZTAbzFCd/s1600/DSC08384+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_utYQ8C6xOZt9YOEiL_FoBjGdbxeXzlqwk5gN0sQxcaxGLyojeqPQrceBHAZYLKcgOluv7jSJ8as_9gga9ZmK6zlmygDtk1WTTrHCNAPx7EjCObFSzJTykU3Pe45e47DH3I0ZTAbzFCd/s640/DSC08384+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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, <b>Hartz Natural Food Store</b>. 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.<br />
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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!)<br />
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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 (<a href="mailto:my3girlsphotography@gmail.com">my3girlsphotography@gmail.com</a>). I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. Thank you.<br />
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Bye for now, friends.<br />
<i>~ Barb ~ </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~ Irish Blessing ~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc2ivy8tTP69czXBZzZwx8IgMhqEWugIU8M3ARL7B2PQksQng-XnqjRjyMb2p-qUZP1cnCtq2HjZBUNU0sBm5LLivIcEApNqtDz2J1ATG17ZxFqsId1WimcSsf9otORCum9T4EK7d1NZZ/s1600/DSC08373+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc2ivy8tTP69czXBZzZwx8IgMhqEWugIU8M3ARL7B2PQksQng-XnqjRjyMb2p-qUZP1cnCtq2HjZBUNU0sBm5LLivIcEApNqtDz2J1ATG17ZxFqsId1WimcSsf9otORCum9T4EK7d1NZZ/s640/DSC08373+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365095601524467656noreply@blogger.com10Morgantown, Caernarvon, PA 19543, USA40.1552847 -75.88994079999997740.147063700000004 -75.904427799999979 40.1635057 -75.875453799999974