Have you ever given a gift so perfect that you're sure you felt even happier giving it than the person who received it?

There's definitely been a few times in my life where I've given gifts and felt fabulous about how thoughtful and perfect it was but never has giving a gift felt more pleasurable than throwing my friend Sheri a 40th birthday party.

I started planning her party about three and a half months early.  Sheri is the kind of person that knows people from all walks of life and all ends of the earth.  She has an email distribution list longer than the Constitution - so in early October when she sent out a mass email and didn't hide any email addresses it was the perfect opportunity for me to do a 'reply to all' (of course taking Sheri off) and tell people to Save The Date - January 24, 2008.  During the ensuing months I secured a venue and our friend's band, collected all the rsvp's, solicited scrapbook contributions, ordered the decorations, enlisted friends to make a cake, etc...  Sheri also has a big family (she's one of six) that she loves more than anything in the world - and to top off these fabulous plans 10 of her family members were traveling to town for the event!

The surprise party was spectacular and everything went off without a hitch.  Sheri was absolutely floored that so many people came to celebrate her 40th birthday with her - her happiness and gratitude was overflowing.

An odd thing happened to me the next day - I felt sad.  I didn't even realize it until my husband called me at the store and said "You sound sad" (this to a person who is almost never sad) - and I said, yes, I guess I am.  I felt sad but really didn't know why.

Over the next few days I was trying to figure out why I had been sad and I finally realized that it was because the party was over.  Isn't that the weirdest thing?  It wasn't even my party! 

But I think I figured it out.  Sheri is one of those super special people - she is kind, compassionate, fun, selfless, loving.  She is always, always looking for ways to bring a little happiness into people's lives.  She is also extremely grateful - always thanking me, and everyone, for even the simplest of things.  So when I had the opportunity to bring so many people together that love her - to celebrate her - to watch her cup overflow (so to speak) - it was the most awesome feeling in the entire world ... it felt absolutely spectacular!!   

So today it's six days later and you know, I still feel so freaking good about that party... about giving something perfect to someone who deserves it so much ... I could go on this for quite a while! 

So many wonderful adventures ... what's next?? 

I've been quite fortunate in my life to have lots of signs that let me know if I'm heading in the right direction - this week has definitely been a stand out week for that when it comes to nurturing the life of my store, La Muse.

I am so grateful for the customers who have become 'raving fans' of the store.  When I was developing my plan for La Muse I was very clear in my head about the type of experience I wanted people to have when they came here.  My goal is to brighten the day of anyone who walks in.

The first part in accomplishing that goal came from my friend Angel who developed the colors for the store.  With such bold colors it's difficult to come in here without feeling at least slightly uplifted.  People comment again and again on how much they love the colors - what they are really saying is they enjoy the way the colors make them 'feel.' 

The second part in accomplishing my goal comes from the wonderful artists that I am blessed to work with.  It is through them that I am able to offer such wonderful messages in the store.  When I hear someone laughing at a picture in the back room or at a particular greeting card which strikes their fancy - when I watch someone fawning over all the different jewelry here and their messages trying to decide which is the perfect gift for mom, friend, aunt ... and finding that message that describes their loved one or how they feel about that loved one - when a customer decides to share an experience with me because they have found a book in the store that will help their sister through a particular situation ... as I witness these situations and so many more I know I am doing what I set out to do ... to add a little happiness, sunshine, positive energy, or the like to their day.

Each and every week I am blessed to have some little signs that I'm accomplishing what I set out to do.  I feel particulary grateful this week because not only were there little signs --- but some big, great, in-your-face, Deb you're doing a good job signs. 

I am grateful for Janet Barnett - who came in yet again to buy another gift for someone ... and brought her daughter this time who needed a gift for a bridal shower.  Janet is one of my biggest fans and is always telling people in the store and outside on the sidewalk how great La Muse is. 

I am grateful for Leslie Chernikoff and Robin Finch who don't know each other but happened to come in at the same time on Sunday ... and they both brought friends one of which said to Leslie "Thank You SO much for introducing me to this store!" 

I think person for person I had the most repeat customers come in since I opened the store in November 2006.  How awesome!

The biggest sign of all was Barbara Lampich.  On Wednesday I received a package chock full of fun goodies, candy, great messages, confetti and new BIG pens (I use extra large pens at my register area to help keep them from walking away and leaving me penless - hey, it works!).  I was laughing out loud as I was going through everything.  Only - the package came from a law firm in DC and there was no name attached to it.  Well, me being Sherlock Holmes checked my customer newsletter email database and found one person that works for this firm - bingo!  And so I emailed Barbara thanking her for everything and telling her how she made my day.  I think she was a little taken aback at how quickly I figured out who it came from - and this is what she emailed me:  "You are too quick for me!  I hope it didn't scare you but I thought a little mystery could be fun.  I'm from a large family (5 girls 1 boy) originally from Alexandria and we're always mailing stuff to each other hoping to bring a smile or a memory.  The candy is fine to eat - I have a bowl on my desk ledge for all the attorneys to peruse.  I love your store - keep up the good job!!!"

"KEEP UP THE GOOD JOB"  Does the message get any bolder than that?  She didn't have to say it - the fact that she thought enough of me to take out part of her day to gather these treasures for me and mail them to me spoke volumes - but she did say it ... like an exclamation point added to my little sign from above that says "Yes, Deb ... you are continuing along the right path ... keep going!!!!!!!!!"

There really are signs every single day - heed them, they're like a compass ... and it makes living life so much easier than having no directionals at all.  :)  With love  -d

There are times where we are tired and feel like there isn't anything to give - I guess that's when it's most important for us to push the boundaries a wee bit and find it within ourselves to move one step further --- you never know.

I had left the store  - it was a long and weary day - I walked to dinner.

When I returned to the store to gather some things and head home it was  late.  There was a man looking in the front window that seemed quite intrigued by my display and I couldn't help but invite him in to look around.  I was tired and experience told me that he just wanted to 'browse' - but my gut told me would appreciate some of the wonderful artists in the store - and I felt he needed a good laugh or two so I was content to stand by while experienced them.

Fast forward - 30 minutes later he fell in love with one of my artist's work,  we were chatting like girlfriends and he made a significant purchase. 

How cool is that?   I thought I was opening my door to him and really he opened a door for me.  Thank you.

I recently got an email passed on to me that I wanted to share.  It seems as if there are some Marines in Iraq who are wondering if they have America's support.  Someone in their unit started an email campaign to get the soliders letters of support from home.  This is the unit:  Regimental Combat Team-6, Camp Fallujah, Iraq  ... this is their blog: http://fightin6thmarines.vox.com/

and this is their email address:  RCT-6lettersfromh@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil 

Check out their blog and take 5 minutes out of your day to send them a quick note of thanks!

In the store I have a paperweight by artist Judy Vilman that says "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  It's something I try to live daily - doesn't always work, but I continually give it my best shot!  Whatever you give, whether it's time, love, money, a kind word - it is truly uncanny how it is returned ten fold. Most times the return doesn't come back directly from the particular person whom you've touched but it does come back nonetheless.

Yesterday it happened to come back directly from someone I took just a minute out of my day to help.  On Sunday two gentlemen came into the store, all decked out in their tourist garb, and asked if I could assist them in calling a cab.  "Of course!" I said, and took a moment to Google the phone number of the local cab company and phoned in the pick up.

Yesterday morning one of the gentlemen, now decked out in business attire, came back to the store and thanked me for my assistance in securing a taxi for him and his friend.  He then proceded to tool around the store and purchase presents to bring back for his wife - turns out Neale, this kind Austrailan visitor, was here on business with Lockheed Martin.   Neale and I chatted for a good half hour.  What a most perfect experience!  Not only had he come back to the store to shop - but our conversation was a particularly bright spot in my day, he is one of those people that simply radiates kindness.

It seemed clear to me that this gentleman was sending a message.  "I came here and purchased from your store because I appreciate that you took a few moments to help me."  Thank you Neale, for reminding me that my course continues to take me in the right direction.