Just a few more days and we will be heading out to San Francisco. I think the last time I was gone from the shop for more than four days was.... oh, right October. To be fair, I was in Italy on that trip so a person could claim that I got more than my share of vacation and getting away. Still, after a busy holiday season, and in the midst of a dreary midwinter, it will be nice to get away. One of the advantages of travel is those unplanned and unexpected moments - of inspiration, of merchandising or product ideas, of whatever that happens when you are out of your usual routine. Who knows what it will be this time, but we look back on past trips and count the delicious meals (we're Komais after all) and the new products we brought home, not just from the wholesale show, but also from the "busman's holiday" that a trip ends up being (shopping and seeing what other stores have created).
The last time I was in San Francisco was the year before we opened the store and at least a few months before I hit the low point of my old job (a moment in time I consider my mid-life crisis, if somewhat early). It's so strange to think about all that has changed since that moment - to think about the person I was then, looking at San Francisco shops and thinking, "when I have a store of my own....." We are looking forward to visiting with our Uncle and other friends who live in the area, as well as a little shopping and sightseeing in the off hours.
We have never been to this particular show either so we are eager to see what we find. Since we've been open, we mostly go the Stationery show and Craft & Hobby show; I haven't been to a gift show since my old job and it will be interesting to see if there is any regional difference. We'll be visiting some of our current vendors as well, but it's mostly just fun to wonder what will be new and different for the shop upon our return (or, more precisely, upon delivery of whatever we order). And of course, we are looking forward to doing some shopping: Flax, Miette, Needle & Pen, Urban Bazaar and Nest are just a few on the list.
My computer access while we are away will be limited so you might just have to wait until I get back for the pictures and the travelogue.
Meanwhile, in Madison, Pamela and Mom will be tending the shop. There are limited hours and services (no craft parties/commission work) while we are away. Weekend hours are regular winter hours: Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm and Sundays noon - 4 pm; we'll be open Monday, February 20th through Friday, February 24th from noon to 5 pm.
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