It's been a busy here, and I suspect that everyone feels that the holidays have truly begun. Tomorrow is the first official day off I've had in four weeks - hurrah! I'm celebrating by going up to Bellevue and having my hair done. Talk about fun! (of course it is mostly fun because it is my oldest daughter who does my hair. the mall that the salon is in... not so much this time of year ..) Overall though, I am excited to go and see her.
I recently snapped this photo in my back yard:
I had been waiting for the humongo maple tree to finish dropping its leaves,
and then I raked for a final time this season - I just couldn't resist the artistic placement that nature made in my garden hedge.
The leaves have all fallen now, and it is bitter cold here.the raking is finished...and I'm thinking that we might even have some snow again this year - (fingers crossed)
My oldest daughter, Erin, and I always call each other the moment it begins snowing (no matter what time it is) - do you do that with your loved ones? "Mom - look out the window.. it's first snowfall !" we squeal and laugh as we simultaneously run outside (her in Seattle, me in Olympia) with mouths wide open to catch the flakes.... yes - I love moments like these.
ON a totally different topic, here's a question for inquiring minds: Did you ever wonder who decorates the amazing windows in all the places that you shop??? no, I didn't figure you did........yet, here is the scoop: the staff does! Yeah. pretty awesome eh?
It might not be true of all retail shops - but the one I am working for has the staff do the holiday decorating. The managers bought all sorts of snacks, holiday music was turned up on high, and 30 of us worked for 4-5 hours decorating the windows (above are two of four windows) and the entire store inside. 30 + wreaths were decorated/hung, 20-25 christmas trees were hung with ornaments, and windows were installed with everything that you see. (it was all completely in pieces when we began at 7pm!) All the decorations and their placements are designed by corporate marketing teams - it's just left up to us to implement their fabulous designs.
We truly had a fun time - much frivolity and great food.... and despite how late it was, everyone was laughing.
Now that is a good company, or what?.
So while I am looking forward to a day off (err - shall we make reference to a huge understatement here?) , I am also enjoying being a part of such a fun company (hard work and all). The hours are long and late (sometimes until 1 am) and I am aware that I do not bounce back quite as fast as I did 20 years ago - yet still I am glad for this work. The staff is fun (still) and it's nice to send customers out with a product I know is high quality. I was surprised (and pleased) at how many of you know this company already...... well, in addition to making great clothes, its a fun place to be employed. I'll probably even ask to stay on after the holidays (grin)
Oh............ and yeah........... I got my camera back again..... YIPPEEE - love it...... someone else I know totally understands what it is like to be without camera - and its not so very much fun, to tell you the truth - so, here in fiberwizard-land, we are singing the praises of Olympus repair (thanks guys)
I've finished up two knit things -- so, as soon as I can find someone to take photos of me wearing them, I'll be bringing you actual knitting content - woo hoo. Soon - very soon!
it snowed for the first time on wednesday. we got about an inch of snow. my mom was in the hospital, but was doing much better. she had a lovely view out the window, and we just sat and watched it snow for a little bit. hopefully i'll have many more first snows to watch with her (she's almost 80)
Posted by: minnie | November 24, 2007 at 09:52 PM
I enjoy reading about the things that are good about working retail at holiday time -- pretty windows and happy customers balance the aches and pains!
Posted by: Jane | November 25, 2007 at 05:41 AM
Enjoy your day off, you've certainly earned it!
Posted by: Carole | November 25, 2007 at 05:41 AM
'Tis the time of year you retail people burn the candles at both ends. You got snow? We've had our first a month or so ago...we're dry as bone now and dying, just dying for more. Enjoy your day off....relax and do something for you!
Posted by: margene | November 25, 2007 at 06:04 AM
That is a lovely window display! Sounds like you have been working really hard. Enjoy your day off.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 25, 2007 at 08:24 AM
I hope you're enjoying your day off!
Posted by: Chris | November 25, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Enjoy the day off, and the hair appt, and the fun time chatting with your daughter! It's going to get even more hectic from here on in!
Posted by: Leah | November 25, 2007 at 11:08 AM
It's sounds like you're having a good time! As crazy as it was, I do sort of miss working retail during the holidys. It was a lot of hard work, but fun too.
Posted by: Cheryl | November 25, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Can't wait for the FO shots, since I know they were dearly bought FOs. No matter what the work, and no matter what the environment, and no matter what the hours, there is community. That counts for a great deal.
Posted by: Laurie | November 25, 2007 at 04:11 PM
I'm so glad you have your camera back. Dad and I both think your picture of the hedge and leaves is so beautiful. What a talented daughter you are. No snow or leaves in Florida but lots of memories of waking in New England to the silence of snow--and you children hoping it was a "snow" day. Love, Mom
Posted by: mom | November 26, 2007 at 08:18 AM
The hours seem to get longer and longer working retail during the Christmas push. But it sounds like you have a great group of people to work with.
Posted by: Mia | November 27, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Beautifully done, Teyani. I know how you feel. Working for a very large church, I'm sure people wonder who does all the decorating...I do. With a small team of wonderful volunteers. So, you can guess how we spent our Thanksgiving Holiday weekend!
Isn't it fun though?
Posted by: Lynne | November 27, 2007 at 03:01 PM
A Day OFF??? Congrats!! Here in the land of cheesecake the days off happen in January. Hope you injoyed it, I'm Looking forward to a day off, but right now I am happy for the business! Having your hair done....now I'm drownding in envy...hmmmm Seattle's not that far, maybe some day.... I have never found anyone who could give me a good hair style and this creative daughter of yours seems mighty talented. I may just have to get brave someday and try again. Stringy waist long hair gets boring.
Enjoy the retail business! Rest when you can, remember when you burn the candle at both ends, the fires eventualy meet in the middle and burn each other up.
Posted by: Cheryl | November 28, 2007 at 07:03 AM
I had to backtrack and re-read about your store windows. The company I work for also hires out to do this locally here in town. It's such an undertaking, since we've been in Holiday Mode for months on end now. Finally, on 11/29, we can start talking about January and Valentine's day stuff. Next month, talks of the Spring season begin. Retail - what a world.
Oh, and your windows do look really great!
Posted by: Dave Daniels | November 29, 2007 at 05:24 AM
Your post sounds so upbeat...yay! Great news that you have your camera back and a day off in which to enjoy yourself.
It all sounds good!
Posted by: Kim | November 29, 2007 at 11:58 AM