The Mysterious Ways of the World

It happened again this week.  It actually happens more often than you'd think, but still, it never ceases to amaze me.  We sell a beautiful metal garland light made designed by Tord Boontje for Artecnica.  Or, more accurately, I should say, we carry this item, as we rarely sell one.  Still, it's lovely, and even if it doesn't sell well, we love it and it adds some serious whimsical beauty to the store.  We have it in both gold and silver.  Anyway, the other day a young woman asked me about them in the morning.  And then, she bought the silver one.  Toward the end of the same day, I was helping a customer at the desk when I noticed a woman looking up toward the lights.  She kept looking, and when I asked if she had a question or needed help - she said she wanted to buy one.  So - we had not sold one for probably two or three months at least - and then - two gone in one day.  It's just this strange retail thing that happens.  And a variant - I look at an item in the morning and think to myself - "I probably shouldn't have ordered that - even though I love it, it never sells."  And then, that very day - you can probably guess what I'm going to say.  A non-retail variant is when you think of a person you haven't seen or talked to in a long time - and then they walk in or call you.  The world is funny that way.

Back in the Saddle !

First- yet another apology!  I just got an email from a dear friend and Joiedeblog reader . . .  who said - basically - "You must be swamped with work and school or something because you haven't blogged in a long time."  Guilty as charged.  And feeling guilty.  I am starting to wonder if Joiedeblog would be better served if I posted on Facebook - so easy to pop up a comment and a picture- and keep this blog for the occasional longer, more contemplative post.  (Any blog readers with opinions on this, please let me know your thoughts!)  Anyway, since my last blog, I have been to New York twice, and Baltimore once, and I have found lots of good new items, and had a chance to catch up with a lot of Joie's suppliers and makers.  Some people complain about these shows - how much work they are, how tiring they are - but I can honestly say that with the exception of shows when I have been physically ill - a bad cold, a bum leg, etc - I always always enjoy them and wind up feeling inspired and energized. And, that's how I'm feeling now!  So - I hope that will translate to lots of Joiedeblog writing energy as well - stay tuned to find out.  And, a small teaser just to give you an idea of some of the things that will arrive here this spring:  solar pope, magnetic putty, fairy dust, octopus marbles, bouncing robots, air guitars, hedgehog puzzles, bobble head Einstein, and I conclude with that time worn, perhaps shop worn phrase that I generally dislike, but is sometimes like all cliches, apt - "and so much more!"