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