It's been a chilly, rainy day here in Southern California and our internet service at home was interrupted due to the storm. At this late hour, we've just got the internet back up and running, so this will be a short post tonight.
There are many events coming up at WFS in the next few weeks. Our annual Spring Holiday Coloring Contest starts tomorrow, so bring your kids in to pick out their favorite scene to color and return for a chance at winning one of three special prizes. The artwork will be displayed in store for all to admire! Prizes will be awarded at our traditional Spring Open House in April, so be sure to look for our event notification. Fancy Food Truck Friday makes its return on April 13th, with the following gourmet food truck line up:
Komodo
GreenzonWheelz
Nom Nom Truck
AuntiesFryBreadTacos
Bool BBQ
Sweet E's "the mini bake shop"
More later on events yet to be scheduled next week - until then, have a great week and wish for sun tomorrow!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Not A Ghost Of A Chance....
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| Photo Credit: Dan Abendschein |
Many people refer to the land around the old Cobb Estate in Altadena as "The Haunted Forest". Located on the east side of the street at the top of Lake Avenue, the iron gates to the estate still stand. Further in lies the remains of the old foundation of the property and the steps eerily leading to nowhere. You can see it in this video, made by erstwhile "ghost hunters", here , and there are several more at that link.
I lived up there, smack dab in the middle of the Las Flores Canyon, for many years and never realized I was living in ghost country. I never "felt" anything weird up there, nor did anyone else who came up there, but here you have some documented evidence of paranormal activity going on. I've hiked the trail up to Echo Mountain a lot, but I'll tell you, I didn't do it at night. It's probably a good thing I didn't - I don't want to personally verify these ghost hunter videos.
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| Photo Credit: smarteranimals.blogspot.com |
Altadena is a pretty interesting place, whether you're looking for ghosts, hiking, great gelato or wonderful shops. It's not a place that's easy to forget.....kind of like us. Drop by sometime soon, we've got new artists added to our mix and we'd love to show you their creations! Remember, Fancy Food Truck Friday begins its monthly appearance on April 13th - maybe we'll arrange a ghost sighting for you.
Have a great week, friends, and we'll talk next week!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Which Way Did He Go, George?
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t want to go but ought to be." — Rosalynn Carter, First Lady
I ran across this post yesterday while going through my email and loved it so much, I thought we'd talk about it tonight.
Sure, a leader will take people where they want to go - they're whom we follow most eagerly. What happens, though, when someone challenges the status quo, who makes people think and maybe become a bit uncomfortable doing so? Are they followed as eagerly as the leader taking people where they want to go?
Of course they're not. But think about this quote for a moment, I beg, and see how it applies to your life. To take a phrase that's overused greatly these days, are you thinking outside the box? Now apply this quote to your community. Do you know someone who's thinking outside that box, working toward something that's not so easy or popular? I'll bet you do.
On that note, I'd like to tell you that community visioning meetings are coming up as a part of the re-designing of our Community Standards here in Altadena. Information about these meetings will be found in our local news blog soon. I recommend watching for the information, making plans to attend, and giving us your ideas. Ideas are good, even if they make some uncomfortable.
Have a wonderful week, friends, we'll talk next week!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Signs Of Spring!
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Sunday, February 26, 2012
Mob Rule
Back in the 5th century, Greek historian Herodotus said, "There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob." Normally, we would agree with that, seeing all the damage done throughout history by mobs. The word "mob" itself holds all these negative connotations and is used, like in Herodotus' quote, in a disparaging way.
What if we could take that word and turn its meaning into something different? Make it something not so sinister and menacing, but happier - joyous, even! Reaching across centuries of abhorrent use, people are now using it for an altruistic purpose. The news stories have been buzzing lately about groups of people organizing what they term a "cash mob" in order to bring much needed trade to flagging local businesses. The story here in the International Business Times gives the basic story, and there's even a blog here about how to organize one.
We were the grateful recipients of a cash mob today. Organized by some wonderful friends, old and new, here in Altadena, they came in starting a bit after noon. When the day was over, we had Sunday totals that hadn't been seen since the holidays! We are touched deeply by being "mobbed" and we'd like to make sure that everyone who participated, and all of those people who weren't part of it but got in the spirit with everyone, know how very thankful we are. Not just for the sales, although that's a wonderful thing, but for the good will and the thought behind the "mobbing"! I can't say it enough - thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
Have a great week, friends! It's Girl Scout Cookie time - we've made a donation to our local Girl Scout troop (crew member Megan's little sister Kiera, who looked adorable in her Daisy Scout smock!) and are serving your favorites along with our fresh coffee and tea (or lemonade, depending on the weather), so come on by and see us soon! There's a shipment of new toys in store, some fabulous new fashion accessories, a new shipment of home office essentials (multi-color pen sets, binder & paper clips in an array of colors, envelopes (still available by the each!) and some very nice report covers and portfolios in stock now. Hope to see you at WFS!
Lori & Scott
What if we could take that word and turn its meaning into something different? Make it something not so sinister and menacing, but happier - joyous, even! Reaching across centuries of abhorrent use, people are now using it for an altruistic purpose. The news stories have been buzzing lately about groups of people organizing what they term a "cash mob" in order to bring much needed trade to flagging local businesses. The story here in the International Business Times gives the basic story, and there's even a blog here about how to organize one.
We were the grateful recipients of a cash mob today. Organized by some wonderful friends, old and new, here in Altadena, they came in starting a bit after noon. When the day was over, we had Sunday totals that hadn't been seen since the holidays! We are touched deeply by being "mobbed" and we'd like to make sure that everyone who participated, and all of those people who weren't part of it but got in the spirit with everyone, know how very thankful we are. Not just for the sales, although that's a wonderful thing, but for the good will and the thought behind the "mobbing"! I can't say it enough - thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
Have a great week, friends! It's Girl Scout Cookie time - we've made a donation to our local Girl Scout troop (crew member Megan's little sister Kiera, who looked adorable in her Daisy Scout smock!) and are serving your favorites along with our fresh coffee and tea (or lemonade, depending on the weather), so come on by and see us soon! There's a shipment of new toys in store, some fabulous new fashion accessories, a new shipment of home office essentials (multi-color pen sets, binder & paper clips in an array of colors, envelopes (still available by the each!) and some very nice report covers and portfolios in stock now. Hope to see you at WFS!
Lori & Scott
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Retail Sees Presidential Support As The Economy Recovers
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| Former President Bill Clinton Speaking At The New York Gift Show - photo credit NRF |
January is the month for all the retail gift shows and the biggest of those is the Big Show in New York. Held at the Javits Center, there were 25,500 participants representing 85 countries and over 400 vendors. That's amazing! Matthew Shay, with the National Retail Federation, says that the companies showing product would occupy the equivalent of 4 football fields!
The Show's keynote speaker this year was former President Bill Clinton. This was the very first time a President of the United States, current or former, attended a retail show. To me, this proves that we are paying attention to the importance of retail and what it means to our economy. A large portion of our country's population works in retail, whether corporate or independent.
President Clinton mentioned in his speech that before he took off on a career in politics, he worked at a grocery store. He said he was "morose" when the Borders bookstore chain succumbed to the pressures of on-line competitors and the down economy. "I could have been one of you", he told the crowd.
On this President's Day weekend, I'm glad that I can talk about a contemporary President and celebrate the fact that Bill Clinton validated the retail industry as a major job creator. What enriches this country and makes it run are the myriad small businesses owned by people like us and I'm proud to be a part of it.
Have a great week, friends, we'll talk again next Sunday!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Champagne, Chocolate and L O V E Spells Magic!
This last Friday was our Valentine's Day wine pairing and poetry event, Champagne, Chocolate and LOVE. We think the discovery aspect of our wine pairings combined with the unexpectedness of live readings of prose and poetry can be unparallelled. Such was our experience Friday evening!
Naturally, our locally made gourmet chocolate was an exciting hit that went perfectly with our Champagne choices, but it was the poetry that thrilled and touched us all. Aldonia Bailey, Altadena artist and poet, brought poets Heather Hilliard-Bonds and Brian Miles, and magic ensued. From audience participation in Brian's poems to Aldonia's heartfelt musings and Heather's song-infused offerings, it was truly an enjoyable night! Listen to this little video clip I recorded of Heather reading and singing - who knew that Whitney Houston would pass away the very next day. Thus poetry and song celebrates, albeit unintentionally, the life of one of the greatest songstresses of our time.
Have a great week ahead, my friends - it's Valentine's Day on Tuesday! Drop by the store and see how we can help you find something for your sweetheart!
Lori & Scott
Naturally, our locally made gourmet chocolate was an exciting hit that went perfectly with our Champagne choices, but it was the poetry that thrilled and touched us all. Aldonia Bailey, Altadena artist and poet, brought poets Heather Hilliard-Bonds and Brian Miles, and magic ensued. From audience participation in Brian's poems to Aldonia's heartfelt musings and Heather's song-infused offerings, it was truly an enjoyable night! Listen to this little video clip I recorded of Heather reading and singing - who knew that Whitney Houston would pass away the very next day. Thus poetry and song celebrates, albeit unintentionally, the life of one of the greatest songstresses of our time.
Have a great week ahead, my friends - it's Valentine's Day on Tuesday! Drop by the store and see how we can help you find something for your sweetheart!
Lori & Scott
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Every once in awhile, an article in our local newsblogs generate many responses. Two such articles in Altadena's Patch.com have done that this week and I think they're worthy of your time to check out. Of course, if you're not local, you might think that it's really not something you're interested in. I say, au contraire, mon ami - all of us need to be concerned about our local independent businesses these days.
The first of these posts was written by friend Karin Bugge. I love her style and what she has to say. You'll find this article here. It's called Unoccupied Lake Street, and the comments are very interesting.
The second article, written by Patch editor Dan Abendschein, is short in length and about a local restaurant closing down. Again, comments are interesting. You'll find that article here.
In stark contrast, here's an article from NBC Today Show's Mike Leonard about the value of an old-fashioned business' wonderful customer service. I think you'll enjoy the accompanying video - my goodness, the entrance from the back alley sure looks a lot like Steve's Bikes! You'll find a lot of correlation, I believe, with many independent businesses in your area....I'm sure you know of one or two without thinking about it much. View this video here.
All this to say (briefly, because I know it's Superbowl Sunday) that there is something inherently valuable in local businesses. They're like a love-letter to your community......go out and experience one today!
Have a wonderful week, my friends, and enjoy!
Lori and Scott
The first of these posts was written by friend Karin Bugge. I love her style and what she has to say. You'll find this article here. It's called Unoccupied Lake Street, and the comments are very interesting.
The second article, written by Patch editor Dan Abendschein, is short in length and about a local restaurant closing down. Again, comments are interesting. You'll find that article here.
In stark contrast, here's an article from NBC Today Show's Mike Leonard about the value of an old-fashioned business' wonderful customer service. I think you'll enjoy the accompanying video - my goodness, the entrance from the back alley sure looks a lot like Steve's Bikes! You'll find a lot of correlation, I believe, with many independent businesses in your area....I'm sure you know of one or two without thinking about it much. View this video here.
All this to say (briefly, because I know it's Superbowl Sunday) that there is something inherently valuable in local businesses. They're like a love-letter to your community......go out and experience one today!
Have a wonderful week, my friends, and enjoy!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 29, 2012
And Now For Something Completely Different......
'We're hoping to succeed; we're okay with failure. We just don't want to land in between.'
--David Chang
"He's serious. Lots of people say this, but few are willing to put themselves at risk, which destroys the likelihood of success and dramatically increases the chance of in between." ---- Seth Godin
I don't think anyone could say that we're "inbetween", unless they were speaking about our physical location. Sandwiched inbetween two other stores, WFS has no windows to the outside world. Inside, though, we're a world apart from other shops.
Did you realize that we represent over 50 local artists? We have local representation in all genres - card makers, authors of books, fine art and prints, gourmet food products, body products and jewelry! WFS takes pride in the fact that we invest in our community, because that's what helps make us strong.
We also believe in buying fair trade, or buying merchandise that "gives back". That means the company we buy from donates to a good cause, like LiveStrong or Women At Work. We love this so much, we actually hunt down those companies whose products fit our business model! We've been lucky to find so many recently and it's a great feeling to know that our customers appreciate this about us. Thanks so much for letting us know how important giving back to the community and the world is to you, it helps us shape our future plans.
Some people worry that a business model like ours is risky. Is it? Yes, it is - to be different is always risky. Is it worth the sacrifice? Resoundingly, yes! If we happen to do any good at all, it's worth it. To help call attention to our local artistic community, it's worth it. To help change what we as average shoppers care about and look for in products is worth it. What....did you think we were in this for the money?
If your plan is to tailor your shopping habits to fit your socially conscious sensibilities, we're your store! Come in soon to see what goodies we've gotten in for Valentines Day - our local artists and WFS appreciate you!
Have a great week ahead, my friends!
Lori and Scott
--David Chang
"He's serious. Lots of people say this, but few are willing to put themselves at risk, which destroys the likelihood of success and dramatically increases the chance of in between." ---- Seth Godin
I don't think anyone could say that we're "inbetween", unless they were speaking about our physical location. Sandwiched inbetween two other stores, WFS has no windows to the outside world. Inside, though, we're a world apart from other shops.
Did you realize that we represent over 50 local artists? We have local representation in all genres - card makers, authors of books, fine art and prints, gourmet food products, body products and jewelry! WFS takes pride in the fact that we invest in our community, because that's what helps make us strong.
We also believe in buying fair trade, or buying merchandise that "gives back". That means the company we buy from donates to a good cause, like LiveStrong or Women At Work. We love this so much, we actually hunt down those companies whose products fit our business model! We've been lucky to find so many recently and it's a great feeling to know that our customers appreciate this about us. Thanks so much for letting us know how important giving back to the community and the world is to you, it helps us shape our future plans.
Some people worry that a business model like ours is risky. Is it? Yes, it is - to be different is always risky. Is it worth the sacrifice? Resoundingly, yes! If we happen to do any good at all, it's worth it. To help call attention to our local artistic community, it's worth it. To help change what we as average shoppers care about and look for in products is worth it. What....did you think we were in this for the money?
If your plan is to tailor your shopping habits to fit your socially conscious sensibilities, we're your store! Come in soon to see what goodies we've gotten in for Valentines Day - our local artists and WFS appreciate you!
Have a great week ahead, my friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Prosperous Water Dragon Year!
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| Long Nian Da Ji |
Tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, The Year Of The Dragon. The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 signs, similar to the Western system, but their signs are comprised of animals. The Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. The Dragon constellation, for example, is accorded the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky. According to tradition, the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.
This year is also considered a water element year, and so is thought doubly prosperous in matters of financial success, family and romance. While I was researching Chinese astrology, I found it interesting that ever since 1996, the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle. All signs are pointing to 2012 being a better and luckier year for everyone, especially for our country's beleaguered small businesses.
I ran across an article by Robert Safian in Fast Company called This Is Generation Flux: Meet The Pioneers Of The New (And Chaotic) Frontier Of Business. It's a fascinating piece that details the emerging young pioneers that have challenged today's economy by recognizing that "the future of business is pure chaos" and how they, and we, can survive and even thrive in these fast changing times. The author asserts that "We are under constant pressure to learn new things. It can be daunting. It can be exhilarating."
Exhilarating, indeed! I have to admit that even as worrisome business has become in the past few years, particularly for independent retailers, it's been quite a wild ride. I'm excited by so many innovations and possibilities this new frontier offers and how they relate to our store. Says Mashable's 26-year old founder, Pete Cashmore, "All these industries are being revolutionized. It's come to technology first, but it will reach every industry. You're going to have businesses rise and fall faster than ever."
Of course, it's the evolution of business as we know it, and it's happening at lightening-speed, or so it seems. Beth Comstock, the chief marketing officer of GE, says, "Business-model innovation is constant in this economy. You start with a vision of a platform. For a while, you think there's a line of sight, and then it's gone. There's suddenly a new angle." I'm painfully aware of those angles, aren't you? The great thing about this type of atmosphere is the opportunity it affords to learn. We learn, we adapt, and we keep ourselves moving forward.
One thing Mr. Safian says resonated with me. It's something I've been saying since we took over our store. He says, "If ambiguity is high and adaptability is required, then you simply can't afford to be sentimental about the past. Future-focus is a signature trait of Generation Flux. It is also an imperative for businesses: trying to replicate what worked yesterday only leaves you vulnerable." GE's Peters says, "Some people question changing our (business) definitions. When they do, I ask: How many of you use the same cell phone from five years ago? The world isn't the same, so we need new parameters." I agree with Ms. Peters. The world isn't the same, our towns aren't the same and we can't sit and mourn the fact. We need to deal with the changing world on its terms, not ours - adapt, realign and move forward!
Wishing you the best this new year has to offer, my friends - may it be good to you and yours!
Lori & Scott
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Winter Follies
The holidays have all been celebrated, the New Year greeted and the Rose Parade has marched off into history. Welcome to January! Although it's winter, the weather has been anything but, and we're enjoying summer-like temperatures. It's been great for us, we can leave the doors open so people can peek in to see our new Valentines Day displays. If this is what's in store for us weather-wise this season, we'll take it!
Yes, Valentines Day is coming and WFS is gearing up for the love fest by stocking some of the best Valentine cards and gifts we can find. You've got to see our cards, by Crane & Co., Tree-Free Greetings, Laughing Elephant, African-American Expressions and Designs For Better Giving, to name a few - they're made in the U.S. or are California-based companies, and we think you'll love them! We've got the most delicious chocolates by John Kelly, another of our local vendors, who make their signature dark chocolate enrobed truffle fudge treats right here in Los Angeles. The beautiful scarves, leather & recycled material bags and gorgeous jewelry by Open Hand Design, a fair trade company, are 35% off, and we have some beautiful vintage Shaeffer pens on special as well!
WFS is planning a very special Valentine wine tasting and reading from one of our Altadena authors - stay tuned for more information on that. You might have noticed that we are taking a tasting hiatus this month. Our intrepid wine bloggers, Anne Bannon and Michael Holland, are extremely busy this month. Anne wears many hats, one of which is writing another blog called Your Family Viewer.com and she's tied up with award shows. Not to worry, all that will be wrapped up by February and they'll be back, funnier and more informative than ever!
Our collaborative event with the other Webster's stores, Fancy Food Truck Friday, will also be on hiatus until April. The temporary use permit we renewed late last year will take us through the end of this year if we take this winter break. Unaware that the weather would be so beautiful, we all thought it would be a good idea if we waited until Spring for more gourmet food truck fun....oh how tricky Mother Nature can be! We'll try to fill this gaping hole in our community with our wine and food pairings, so make sure you save the date for those as soon as you hear about them!
Our friend, Karin Bugge, has written an excellent article in one of our local newsblogs, Altadena Patch.com, that's called "Altadena Is No Sierra Madre". Great stuff and the comments are interesting - if you have a moment, I highly recommend you check it out and leave your comment, too. All of us small business owners in Altadena are very interested in your opinion so let us know how you feel!
On a more personal note, Scott and I lost our beloved pet, Pepe the Wonder Dog, last Thursday. He was very special to us. Intended as a birthday present for our daughter's 18th birthday, we found him at a pet store in Blue Jay village, near Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernardino Mountains, while we were on our honeymoon. We got married on December 27th, 1997, and brought him home with us on January 4th, so he'd been with us for a little over 14 years. Soon after that, Parisa moved out to an apartment that didn't allow dogs, and he became our empty-nest pup. He was quirky, persnickety at times, didn't like other dogs much but he was a one-family dog that was loyal and true to the end. We miss him dearly and we keep hearing his nails clicking on the hardwood floor....wishful thinking, I'm sure, but comforting nevertheless.
Have a great week to come, friends!
Lori and Scott
Yes, Valentines Day is coming and WFS is gearing up for the love fest by stocking some of the best Valentine cards and gifts we can find. You've got to see our cards, by Crane & Co., Tree-Free Greetings, Laughing Elephant, African-American Expressions and Designs For Better Giving, to name a few - they're made in the U.S. or are California-based companies, and we think you'll love them! We've got the most delicious chocolates by John Kelly, another of our local vendors, who make their signature dark chocolate enrobed truffle fudge treats right here in Los Angeles. The beautiful scarves, leather & recycled material bags and gorgeous jewelry by Open Hand Design, a fair trade company, are 35% off, and we have some beautiful vintage Shaeffer pens on special as well!
WFS is planning a very special Valentine wine tasting and reading from one of our Altadena authors - stay tuned for more information on that. You might have noticed that we are taking a tasting hiatus this month. Our intrepid wine bloggers, Anne Bannon and Michael Holland, are extremely busy this month. Anne wears many hats, one of which is writing another blog called Your Family Viewer.com and she's tied up with award shows. Not to worry, all that will be wrapped up by February and they'll be back, funnier and more informative than ever!
Our collaborative event with the other Webster's stores, Fancy Food Truck Friday, will also be on hiatus until April. The temporary use permit we renewed late last year will take us through the end of this year if we take this winter break. Unaware that the weather would be so beautiful, we all thought it would be a good idea if we waited until Spring for more gourmet food truck fun....oh how tricky Mother Nature can be! We'll try to fill this gaping hole in our community with our wine and food pairings, so make sure you save the date for those as soon as you hear about them!
Our friend, Karin Bugge, has written an excellent article in one of our local newsblogs, Altadena Patch.com, that's called "Altadena Is No Sierra Madre". Great stuff and the comments are interesting - if you have a moment, I highly recommend you check it out and leave your comment, too. All of us small business owners in Altadena are very interested in your opinion so let us know how you feel!
On a more personal note, Scott and I lost our beloved pet, Pepe the Wonder Dog, last Thursday. He was very special to us. Intended as a birthday present for our daughter's 18th birthday, we found him at a pet store in Blue Jay village, near Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernardino Mountains, while we were on our honeymoon. We got married on December 27th, 1997, and brought him home with us on January 4th, so he'd been with us for a little over 14 years. Soon after that, Parisa moved out to an apartment that didn't allow dogs, and he became our empty-nest pup. He was quirky, persnickety at times, didn't like other dogs much but he was a one-family dog that was loyal and true to the end. We miss him dearly and we keep hearing his nails clicking on the hardwood floor....wishful thinking, I'm sure, but comforting nevertheless.
Have a great week to come, friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Welcoming 2012
The new year unfailing conjures feelings of anticipation, new opportunities and hope. As David Cameronsaid recently, "It gives us an extraordinary incentive to look outward, look onwards and to look our best: to feel pride in who we are and what - even in these trying times - we can achieve."
Our hope for this new year is just that. It would be an extraordinary gift for all of us to feel that sense of pride and thankfulness in ourselves and our achievements and even more extraordinary if that spilled over onto everyone else.
Here's wishing you and yours a meaningful, achievement-rich 2012 - we're looking forward to sharing it with you!
Enjoy the week ahead of us, my friends!
Lori and Scott
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