The Little Places

My Victorian-loving friend and I had another excursion into a city near me that has the cutest shops. We visited my favorite little nook where I get all of my fancy birthday cards which include Battenburg lace-like cutouts on the envelopes. It's such a friendly place. The two lovely ladies who run it always remember me and ask about my grandson. They have good memories which pleases me and I'm sure helps with their business. We tried a new store where I saw some beautiful pins - an idea for my spring birthday. I received a business card and noted the location of the jewelry on the back.

We walked up and down the street, noting that many of the cutest places were closed on this Tuesday. Visiting another place, we talked to the owner who shared that she had been in business for over 20 years and this was such a hard time. We looked around and talked. I saw a very nice necklace that I liked, but it was more than I wanted to pay right then. Then we ventured to the antiques store and spent a great deal of time. You just can't hurry through a place like that. We did such a rousing job of great purchases on our last trip that she and I both ended up with two small items each, for the day. On the whole, we both felt that we had truly communicated over lunch and the shopping was very secondary. We parted refreshed.

Later that week, at prayer group, we talked about how sad it was that businesses were having a hard time. I few of us walked quietly down the street and prayed for each place. We passed the shop where I had seen the necklace. I felt led to go and buy it. The lady was so sweet and I had been thinking about that thing for several days. I realized that it was quite unique, a gold medallion on a chain - just like the celebrities are wearing. We talked some more and I left feeling very good about my purchase. I felt that it was like "priming the pump." If I bought something, the woman would be more enthusiastic and perhaps others would visit, too. I do believe in answered prayer, so I hope that she prospers.

Visiting little shops and boutiques in a rather small city is such a joy. Of course I go to the chains for everyday supplies. But when I need a gift or something special, I head to a little shop. It would be awful if times were so hard that all of the cute little places closed. I hope things change for these great people. They add so much to my life.