Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance Happy Hour

Last Monday, Earth Alley hosted the Chespeake Sustainable Alliance's monthly happy hour. Over 60 people came - wow - I never knew so many people could fit in this space - well they didn't really. Our great neighbors loaned us their parking space. We had wine from Spoutwood Farm and great treats from Grano's - people looked like they had a great time. I had to take a picture to remember this many people.

I'm pissed

Yeah, I am really pissed! It was my goal to be as positive as possible on this blog. AND...It's hot and humid and I've gotten heat stoke twice already and I just came back from Seattle and I really miss it and July sales stinks almost as bad as January and I knew that the first year of business would be hard and I am used to working long, hard multi-tasking hours with little pay (wasn't I in non-profit?) Crap, I don't even have a salary to drown my sorrows in.

All the first year perils that comes with the territory - as I am often reminded.

So what set me off? Some asshole stole a Retreads wallet from the store yesterday - $53 dollars. Because $53 is a lot of money right now. And yet again I am reminded how human I am - how I am sometimes sinking with the sales, inventory, marketing, emails, updates, promotions, networking, budgets, trade shows, self-promotion, part-time jobs and now theft prevention.

In a nutshell, despondency.

What's Pooh Got To Do With It?

Our latest and greatest addition to our inventory is made of something you would never imagine! You might never guess so I'll just come out and say it - made with straw and pooh! Yes, elephant pooh. Beautifully hand-crafted paper that gives a percentage to saving the Asian elephants. I can't remember who first told me about this product but when I called up to order a sample, I had no idea what to expect. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. In summary, the shit I get into!!!

The Season of Events

Wow! What a whirlwind. Thanks to Rick for helping with a number of events: the kick-off in St. Michael's, long ride, lots of gas but what a pretty place to spend a day; then Eco-fest, good to meet like-minded people; Cylburn Market Day - I think the photo says it all - and just when we were done, a special invite from a private corporation - yes, worth it. I couldn't have done it without my friend, Amy, who watched the store. Thank you Amy!

Next round: 3 dates at the Waverly Farmer's Market, Mt. Washington's Wine and Jazz festival in September and the Social Security Admin building. We can do it... We can right? Oh, I forgot Hon and Hampden Fest.

Bracelet Workshop a great success!

Our May 2nd Bracelet Workshop was fun and successful!

In celebration of women's health day, we made the bracelets in support of breast cancer awareness. A big thank you to our friends who made it possible.

Bay Day in St. Michael's

So what did Rick, Theo and I do Saturday? We participated in eastern shore's eco-fest. The sponsors of the event, the Maritime Bay Museum, were so kind to us. They didn't even laugh at us when we were crawling on our hands and knees looking for a lost jade earring blown over by a gala wind from the amazingly beautiful bay just behind us. Out of a movie this gala wind sent everything from our table flying. Try looking for a dime-sized green earring in blades of grass! Rick was the hero that day when he explored one last time. Jade is supposed to bring luck - we'll see!

We were camped next to Michele and Tony, great folks who own Michele's Granola. If you ever see it in stores buy two bags. You will thank me.

Hey, if this is what we have to do to get out of the store and Baltimore, it's okay by me. A big thanks to Amy, our very friendly and competent friend who held the fort down at Earth Alley on the first really warm day of spring!

The grace of Grace

Why do I forget to be grateful? A sourpuss – that’s me. And, I can see the positive change spring is bringing in me. Yesterday was a great day. I had a cup of java with a new friend, Jill, who I met a while back at Satchidananda Ashram (aka Yogaville) – a peaceful place I sometimes go to when I need to ground myself. And it doesn’t end there. My friend Grace who I met back in the fall when we both had booths at a holiday fair - she was selling great crafts from her native country, Kenya, some of which I sold at Earth Alley. Eight months pregnant she could hardly fit behind the register, Grace came to help wait on customers on Sunday while I was supposed to "catch up" on paperwork. Thanks Grace!

How amazing I feel when I am around people with positive energy. Thanks Jill! Thanks Grace!