02.04.08
And they’re off!
Wow. A sale. Normally, a sale takes time to prepare for and it’s a tad chaotic.
A clearance sale. Now, that’s something that strikes fear in the hearts of retail workers everywhere.
But… a “going out of business” Sale. Holy Cow. Run for the hills.
I have never ever ever been as busy as I was this weekend. Ever. EVER.
I told the “We’re moving… adventure… website business… mental breakdown in December” story… about 150 times and 14 different ways. By the end I was just saying “Moving, sorry… miss you”. Tina thinks I’ll be down to one word by the end of this week ;)
The store looks so strange. Things strewn everywhere. Very distinct sections are now not so. Stuff on the floor, furniture missing… gaps everywhere.
I’m not sad yet, but I’m sure it’s going to hit me soon. A very french-sounding Amelie song came on and I was trying to get misty and nostalgic… as the accordion played, little toy piano notes danced, I tilted my head and leaned up against the wall… just waiting to embrace a little moment with the store… customers happily hunting for treasures and enjoying the music… I looked round with a slight girlish grin… then two kids started fighting, a very loud something crashed to the floor about 20 feet away followed by an audible “oops!”, someone complained that a piece of furniture they wanted was sold and then the phone ring. I snapped out of it very quickly, and reality set in ;)
I’m being teased by a certain someone that I should write a book about owning a store. Start out with beautiful pictures and optimistic quotes and anecdotes, then slowly progress into the chaotic, time consuming, Holiday-loathing truth that it is ;) I’m exaggerating… but you’d buy that book, wouldn’t you? ;)
I must take pictures. I must document how quickly the store is selling off… piece by piece. 5 years in the making, 24 days in the taking-down.
Reminder… 30% off Friday the 1st of February until Thursday the 14th… then on Friday the 15th, items will be marked down 40%. Also, as things clear out we are putting out more things from storage and also working our way into art supplies (Mosaic stuff, soap-making supplies etc)… so you will definitely see NEW things every time you visit!
Have a wonderful week… thanks for reading :)
Kristina Lynch said,
February 4, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Yes…it’s me the one with all the furniture “) If Carrie does get down to just the one word answer to all the enquiries, just smile and give an encouraging word…we are all going to miss Carrie, her creativity and how she expresses it in her beautiful displays at Violets Are Blue. But alas! Her website will live on and she will have even more time once settled in North Carolina to freely create and share it with all os us “) Heck, maybe one day she’ll be one of the featured artists for Midwest who’s creations become collectable, like Jennifer Murphys! Til then, we support her on her new adventure to the other side of the states “)
pinguino said,
February 4, 2008 at 1:23 pm
oohh soap supplies!
Art Tea Life said,
February 4, 2008 at 4:11 pm
(((applauding ))) Well written ! loved every word of it…but wanted to cry too. Not just that you are leaving but crying WITH you – tired tears ! oh geez, you must be so tired. You are a Doll to Keep Your Humor though.
It was sobering to see the gaps when I was there….I want this special place of escape to remain. It will be SO WEIRD to drive by there and not have it there….! Have YOU there. But then I will imagine the Great New Adventures You are on…and smile.
YES ! definitely WRITE THAT BOOK !!! oh yes. I would buy it.
Hope you’re coping today and get a chance to catch your breath.
I love all my goodies I got and it’s wonderful to have pieces of you.
LOVE, S.
Allison Cummings said,
February 4, 2008 at 6:12 pm
are there any scarfs or things you know i would like on sale (i mean clearance)?
weed out the purple and ship to Cackalackie —– quick!!!!!
Cant wait until spring!
Adriann said,
February 8, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Hi! I found you site through the number generator that was linked from Lisa Oceander’s (sp) blog. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing that wonderful software. I will put it to good use.
On another note, I just found you and am so sorry to see you go. I will look around and see what I can find.
Blessings!
Lisa S. said,
March 12, 2008 at 3:51 am
I have a BEAUTIFUL enamel wash stand to remember you by! Your lovely jumble of carefully chosen gifts will be missed! Your cards were outstanding!
Nothing comes close to Violets are Blue!