For Every Thing there is a Season

I've got to get busy writing - busy busy busy! I've never been loyal to a diary in my life and I've been remiss this week with my blog. You may not want to hear this, but the reason for my neglect is that I have been putting away my Jack-O-Lanterns and bringing out Frosty the Snowman. I am transforming the store into a Winter Wonderland in time for my Grand Opening and Christmas Open House Friday November 5th from 7 - 9 pm. Join us here all weekend and receive tax free on any purchase with a donation to our local food bank. I know...it's early...but here's a little clip to get you in the Christmas Spirit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b__blppXx7g

Comfort Food

It's another gorgeous morning on Main Street in Ridgetown! We're being positively spoiled this October with beautiful fall mornings. Thank-you to everyone who has taken home a bouquet from Mocha Violet...I hope they have been a long lasting delight in your home! I made up this little posy this morning with decorative kale...when you're tired of looking at it, chop it up and add it to your autumn stew; it will warm you heart and soul!

See you soon,

Karla

A Few Bad Apples

I promised pictures, so here they are! Melissa and her kids helped make these little monsters. We sat at her kitchen table sipping cider and carving apple faces...it was very Nigella Lawson!

They hung to dry on a piece of twine in Melissa's basement for about a week. Unfortunately, the electricians came while they were hanging. They probably thought she was into some kind of weird voodoo...but they haven't reported her to any authorities...yet!

Happy Halloween!

Karla

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark

Or rather - something is in a rotten state in my Pontiac Vibe! I have searched high and low but cannot find the culprit...

It's true, I do not care for my vehicle in the same meticulous manner as my dad does for his vehicles. My poor Vibe is lucky to get a scrub down once a month (okay, I'll be honest...every few months)and though her engine is due for a belt change, I have been lax and allowed her to chug on without. She might not purr like she used to, but I am faithful to oil changes and try to keep out rotting items!

For shame! I know what I'll be doing Sunday morning...Anyone else needing a car wash? - 50 Cents each - we had a rough Saturday at the Vi! Just kidding!

See you next week!

Karla

October Sky

The weather gods could not make up their minds today and the autumn sky was a different shade each time I looked out the window. I always feel good in this shop though...when it's stormy outside it feels cozy and warm and when it's a bright day I feel like it's light and cheerful in here! I love the atmosphere of having a few tables and seeing people enjoying themselves in the shop.

We are getting into a better routine around here and last night I was home in decent time to cook a meal...Fantastic! We even watched a little of Rick Steve's Europe (best show on t.v.) before I fell asleep on the couch. Okay, I know I'm lame...

Enjoy a little of my pal Rick here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhDGFQ5Y908

Speaking of pals...my other pal, Jeremy, brought me these beautiful tropical bouquets. They are long lasting and look just as stunning dried. I have also tied together lovely mixed bouquets for your weekend entertaining!

Thanks for checking back at my blog and for all your support and encouragement!

See you soon,
- Karla

p.s. I will have pictures up soon of our shrunken apple heads...they are in the shrinking phase right now!

p.p.s. Speaking of October Skies...wasn't that a remarkable story of the coal miners in Chile? I heard a report on CBC radio that they sent down razors and toiletries to the men so they could be clean shazen for their wives and family. What an amazing and wonderful thing to hear on the news.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a beautiful weekend to celebrate our blessings...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Karla

Pumpkin Posy

Great Gourds of Fire!...enough with the squash already! I can't seem to stop...they're each so unique. I made this cute little number up this afternoon during a lull in the action.

I promised Charlie I would be home by 8:00pm tonight and here it is somehow 8:01...gotta run!

See you tomorrow at the Vi!

Karla

Turkey-Day Topiary

Okay, so I don't really like it being called Turkey-Day...but what else starts with T, that has to do with thanksgiving?

I had a lot of fun putting together this little contraption today...maybe I'll have a better name for it by tomorrow!

See you later alligator!

Karla

Giving Thanks

We have much to be grateful for here at the mocha violet this Thanksgiving. Our first week went very smoothly and we feel we're getting the swing of things around here! We are thrilled with the feedback we have been getting and are so proud to be a part of this community. I don't know how it got to be Thanksgiving, but I have to admit I am happy to have an extra day off to catch my breath...and catch up on housework!

I spent this afternoon preparing centrepieces for your turkey-day table...mention this blog and receive 10% off your purchase of one of these babies!

Gobble Gobble!

-Karla

p.s. - stop in to meet Pedro...my newest employee! I think you've got some competition Melissa!

Phew!

What a relief to be open and have two successful days under our belt! We worked until two in the morning on Thursday night and I went home to lay awake and toss in bed for a few hours before showering and coming back to the shop! Thank-you to everyone with your well wishes and encouraging comments.
I know I already showed you a picture of the yellow roses, but I can't get enough of them! This is a thank-you bouquet I sent to my mom....thank-you again and again and again.....

Check back soon to see what's happenin' at the Mocha Violet...I have some exciting evenings in the works with my friend Martha Miller for those of you who like to get your knitting needles clickin'!

- Karla