TIES THAT DON'T SUCK

Murphys  Open House, the first Friday in December every year, is a do not miss. Ramblin' through town, running into old friends, nibbling and sipping at every shop. Its a grand affair not only attended by locals, but certainly designed to jump start your Christmas shopping locally.

 

First, we gathered at my house for a bowl of soup and bread pudding. Jan, Karen, Denise,David, Margo and Pam. 

 

Sharing a glass of wine before we head downtown may help loosen the pocketbook, and it certainly put us in a cheery mood.

 Finding new stores open is part of the appeal for me. I often drive through town without noticing a new start-up. And, at INDEPENDENT we found useful, thoughtful, well designed original items, some hand made, some vintage or recycled. Truly items of lasting quality. Plus INDEPENDENT is a working studio that opens you to creativity. And, they have ties that don't suck. We chuckled over the sign, but unique they are.

This piece is steel or bronze.

I'm a sucker for childrens art and this little kitty called to me. Then, when I turned it over to see the price, it was a gift to whoever read the back. Project ART FROM THE HEART from the students of Martha Wallace. It expresses the importance that art plays in children's lives. What a joyful experience to walk out of the store gifted by this sweet kitty. Thank you Abby.

 Our next stop was also a newly opened boutique , just off Main on Scott St. downtown called MAISIEBLUE. Filled with gorgeous yarns, books, plants, art, T-pots. "Things we like", explained sisters Kimberli Smith and Megan Fischer, the proprietors of MAISIEBLUE.. They've returned to Murphys to open up this store in their old stomping grounds. Their middle sister, Amy Pollard was a friend of my daughter Virginia. They all graduated from Bret Harte High. See what happens when you wonder out for an evening? Its a lovely place to read, create, and relax. They have a group of knitters that meet on Thursday nights in the shop to do just that.

 

We got a late start but enjoyed everything we saw from buttons...

...to glass purses.

Old friends..

and new.


We finished the evening at the Murphys Hotel where the dance floor was crowded, energetic and fun.