Doris' Blog

A Quick Hello and Sunday's Pick

Greetings Everyone!!  I have wanted to post before now but quarterly taxes, W-2's and a host of other paperwork have taken over my life.  Beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel so.... here I am with a quick hello.  The BIG announcement seems like many moons ago and time is moving along quickly.  We will take possession of our new space on or near 15 March 2009.  Can't wait.  Been working on some of the plans but there is much to do as you can imagine.  Many of you have asked if you can help and I have come up with something that would be extremely helpful to me for creating some capital which would help tremendously in getting set up.  I'll continue to put the plan together and send it via e-mail.  I think my plan is a win win for all of us so I hope you will like what you see.

If you have suggestions for what you would like to see in the new space, please e-mail me.  I want to hear from anyone who has ideas.  Just for your information, we will not be focusing on scrapbooking since the Madd Scrapper is just a 1/4 mile down the road from our new place.  That will leave room for lots of GREAT stuff so let me hear from you on what is the greatest and latest!!

With the brain in a fog these days, my focus has not been on Sunday's pick.  Way too much tax "stuff" to think about.  So.... drum roll please..... Sunday's pick will focus on all stickers and we have lots.  How about a 16% discount on all stickers that we have in stock.  Just mention this blog to get the discount.  Carrie will be working on Sunday so she'll need a reminder of sorts since she only works one Sunday a month so that I can attend the DEX club meeting in the balcony.  If you need to say hello, just give me a holler and I'll stick my head over the rail!!! 

Julia, one of our most current and valued employee, was in Issaquah picking up an order for the shop the other day and I asked her to take a photo or two of the new location.  See below for one of the photos.  This is looking into the new space and there is some reflection coming off the windows of the parking lot but we thought it was better than nothing for the time being.  The door to the far right is that of Make an Impression whose last day is tomorrow so if you have a desire to pay Make An Impression a visit, it is now or never so be sure to put it on your radar screen before Saturday runs out.

OK - enough babble for one evening.  Will blog again very soon.  I have so much to share with all of you.  Thank you all SO MUCH for the fabulous response to our BIG announcement.  With all of your love and support, I feel hugged every day!

Hugs back - Doris

A BIG Announcement from Friends and Company

Good Evening Everyone!!  The time has finally come for me to share with all of you the latest of my news.  I am actually a tad early to be placing it on my blog but it's a go - no matter what.  On Wednesday evening, all our store employees and instructors who were able to attend (about 16) gathered at Friends and Company to hear the announcement first hand.  We enjoyed pizza and champagne and I realized on this evening that we should do this more often.  It was rather fun!  I decided some time ago to venture into this journey solo in order that history of past disappointments, loss of funds, and other factors would not get muddled while I contemplated what I am about to tell you.  I apologize to anyone who feels that they may have been left out of the loop but that would be everyone so please do not feel alone.  Here goes:

Friends and Company is very pleased to announce the opening of its second location in Issaquah, WA.  That's it - that's the whole story!!  Are you as excited as I am??  I surely hope so.  We should be able to move in by 15 March 2009 and be open by the 1st of April (this is not an April Fool's joke!).  It could be sooner depending on what needs painting, etc.  We will not really know until we get the keys. 

Make An Impression is retiring and currently what is left is at 50% off so you might want to pay them a visit.  Shirley may have some GREAT deals.  In any case, we are NOT taking over Make An Impression but rather will open our own store front adjacent to where Make An Impression is currently located.  If you are not on the mailing list but wish to be, let me know via e-mail at topstamp@msn.com to stay posted of events and what is going on.  I'd love to include you all in the planning as we make progress.

In these turmoiled economic times, it may not make sense to be jumping into such an endeavor but I have been and remain very optimistic that we are making a GREAT decision.  I'd love to hear from you and, of course, if you have suggestions for what you might like for us to carry in the new location, please let me know.  Help spread the word via e-mail, etc.  The more folks that know about this, the better.

Don't forget the BBQ on Sunday!!  Chef Lew Humphreys (Lindy Combs' husband) can't wait to crank up that grill!!  Until later.... hugs to all - Doris

BBQ Sunday, 25 January 2009

Greetings Everyone!!  Just want to remind everyone that Sunday is our "Dead of Winter BBQ".  I thought about this way back in August when we hosted our customer appreciation day along with a BBQ.  It was so much fun and everyone seemed to enjoy it so much that I thought something similar in the middle of winter could be fun also.  So.... here we are nearing the event.  I'm still looking for a "cook" so if you have ever considered wanting to be a "chef extradonaire", give me a call ((206) 932-3891).  You might just have the credentials for making those hotdogs that much more special!

We have planned a handful of demos and are also working on more so I don't totally have the lineup yet but it'll come (hopefully!).  So far we are fortunate to include Jean Mendel, Sandy Huff, and Lindy Combs to our talented lineup of demonstrators.  If you don't hear from us, please do check in to see what is up!

That is it for one evening.  My BIG announcement should be out by Friday and on this blog so do check back.  It's been really fun listening to everyone "guess" at what might be up.  I hope it will be as exciting for all of you as it has been for me.  I can hardly wait to share the news with you.  By the way, no, we are not getting (although I would like to) a new bathroom on the main floor.  If I win the lottery, I may just have to have one installed but for the time being, it is what it is!!

Until the next time - hugs to all - Doris

A Quick Update on "Stuff"

Greetings Everyone!!  It's Friday already and seems as though I just posted to this blog.  Time certainly has a way with itself. 

I have to admit that I am getting a little nervous about my BIG announcement later this month.  I'm beginning to find that BIG is one thing to one person and another thing to someone else.  While I was talking to a friend this evening, I mentioned that I might subscribe to Comcast as I have not had cable in some time.  Now this is BIG news - at least for me.  It's not my announcement, however.  See what I mean.  I hope you are not overly disappointed with my announcement.  It's BIG to me and hopefully you'll see it "my way" when the time comes.  Stay tuned....

For Sunday's pick I have selected paper - any paper that we have in stock and on the floor at a whopping 30% off.  If you are a Paper Connection member make that 40% off.  This is a sweet deal and is good for Sunday, 18 January 2009, only!

Monday, 19 January 2009 is a holiday for many.  If you want to "play" reserve your spot by calling the shop (206) 932-3891.  We have about 10 4-foot tables left for the taking.  Bring what you want to work on.  We'll provide paper cutters, some punches, and the space.  It's loads of fun and a GREAT way to get some of your projects completed.

Enough for this evening.  I have to go and work on my BIG announcement.  Feedback has been fun.  I love hearing about what you think I am up to.  Elaine Woodhouse, CarvedStamps, has indicated that with whatever I announce, she will make a BIGGER announcement.  Boy, is she in trouble.

Have a GREAT weekend if we don't see you and enjoy any day off that might come your way!  Until the next time - Hugs to All! - Doris

Announcing Our Winners and "What A Weekend"!!

Greetings Everyone!!  It was a whirlwind of a weekend.  I wrapped up today (Sunday) at a dinner with friends followed by an early evening at home.  I was very happy to get home by 7:30 where I had intended to make several phone calls that needed to be returned.  In any case, I decided it was a true to life jammie night so I wrapped myself in jammies and sat in front of a huge roaring fire just soaking in its warmth and its mesmerizing strokes of fire.  What a fabulous way to end a hectic but fun weekend.  I had not done anything like this for myself in a while and realized that I really needed to do more of it.  It was fabulous.  Let this be a lesson to me - do it more often as should all of us!

Saturday morning proved to be quite hectic with an ATC swap followed by a napkin exchange and followed by two classes throughout the day - both of which where long classes.  By mid morning I had worked my way over to the West Seattle Christian Church where services for Olive Holstein would be held. Olive, as many of you already know, was a beloved friend to so many of us at the shop.  She has now made her way to heaven and now serving as one of our local angels.  This proved to be very true as the weekend evolved and as you will see below. The services were very nice and I was incredibly overwhelmed when the minister, Alan Gardner, made mention of Friends and Company in his eulogy as one of the places that Olive liked best in the Junction to just hang out.  He described it, not as a business, but rather as a meeting spot for the community.  I knew then that I had accomplished what I set out to do over 11 years ago and that was to have a place that people loved and wanted to be in.  I know that Friends and Company is home to many and I just love that little piece of knowledge.  Let's keep that going for a long time to come!!

Well Sunday rolled around and we planned on conducting the Provo Craft Cricut drawing for eligible passport members at 2:00 pm.  I am just so totally grateful that there were people to witness what happened at this drawing.  A woman by the name of "Jennifer" was asked to draw a name to identify our Cricut winner.  Jennifer was a first time customer to Friends so she had no idea about what was really going on.  She drew a name and if you can guess who's name she drew would almost make you a physic.  You guessed it - she drew Olive's name.  I was so blown away that I found my mouth wide open and a chill just running down my spine.  I truly believe it was Olive's way of letting us know that she is in a good space but still around and we should not forget it!   None of us in the room who knew Olive could believe what had just happened.  It was a totally electrifying experience - one that I have heard others talk about but one that I have never experienced first hand.  The Cricut will, of course, go into Olive's estate. 

Olive was also the winner to the cupcake contest coming in at 69 cupcakes in the year 2008 using her passport.  She was short 3 mini cupcakes to receive the maximum of 72 for the year but would have received all 72 had she not decided that she had other "things" to do.  We decided to award the Coffee To a Tea award of one dozen mini cupcakes for 2008 to Judy Burton whose passport represented 62 cupcakes received for the year (No one else came forward with that many).  Now remember, the passports only cost $12.00 so do the math and see what an incredible deal both of these ladies experienced in 2008.  Jodi, from Coffee To A Tea, and I both hope you enjoy these delicious cupcakes Judy!!

Kits Morgan won a FREE class in 2009 for attending 52 classes in 2008.  This is in addition to the two FREE classes that Kits already received in 2008.  We changed the Passport Program for 2009 in that a FREE class will be awarded to anyone for every 12 classes attended (A $20.00 value).  Another great reason to put classes on your radar screen for 2009.  We have some of the best instructors with the best classes in town so do check them out.

I was not going to post this until the am but since it is AM as in 1:40 here it is.  I'm off now to blow some zzzzzz's and continue to think about how I am going to explain and let everyone know about my BIG announcement.  I go to bed each night with it in mind and truly hope that I can pass it on as soon as I can.  I am simply losing way too much sleep.  Can't wait.  Stay tuned...... Hugs to All - Doris

E-Mail Update

Good Evening Everyone!!  Hints, hints, hints on my BIG announcement.  No - not a baby (at least not one that I know of), no - not getting married (lucky thing I think!), by-pass surgery? - no, not at all (although this should be considered), no - not the lottery (bring it on however), and no - I'm not taking over Make An Impression (no money!).  Keep the guesses coming - I'm having fun!

I forwarded this to my e-mail list just a bit ago and decided to include the information here also.  It's best to keep the communication going in case someone is not on the e-mail list so here tis...

Greetings Everyone!!  One last e-mail before we conduct our drawing on Sun, 11 Jan 2009, for a Cricut Expression Electronic Cutter as part of our passport program in 2008.  We would first like to acknowledge Provo Craft for their very generous contribution of the Cricut and also thank Teri Bangart, their leading manufacturer's represenative, for her support, personal contribution, and general sense of just wanting to have some fun.  Thank you both Provo Craft and Teri for being part of our great team.  We love you!
 
If you traveled to all 12 countries in 2008 and have a stamp representing all 12 countries then you are eligible to be included in the fantastic drawing.  Please be sure to look at the list of names that I compiled and if you are eligible and not included on this list, give the shop a call to get your name added ((206) 932-3891).  Because it is not possible for us to be sure of everyone who may be eligible, it is important that you take some time and look at the list to be sure you are included if eligible.
 
Congratulations to Kits Morgan for her attendance at 52 classes in 2008.  Way to go Kits!!  We really appreciate your fabulous support and are very happy to know that your creative spirit soared all through 2008.  Kits not only received 2 FREE classes in 2008 but has also won another FREE class in 2009 as the individual who attended the most classes in 2008.  We hope that everyone will consider making their creative journey soar in 2009 by attending classes.  Class attendance is not only great for personal growth but it also lets our terrific instructors know that they are valued and loved!
 
We are still looking for anyone who managed to receive more than 21 mini cupcakes from Coffee To A Tea.  If you are that individual, let us hear from you.  Coffee To A Tea has a special surprise for you!
 
Other "stuff": 
 
1)  Reminder of the napkin exchange on Sat, 10 Jan 2009, at 9:30 a.m.  Bring a napkin, trade a napkin.  Bring 100 napkins, trade up to 100 napkins. 
 
2)  Passports for 2009 are available and ready for purchase.  $12.00 during the month of January and it means that you'll be eligible for the 2009 drawing with your first travel experience to India!  Only 11 months to go.  Passports beginning in February will increase to $15.00.  Call the shop to reserve yours today.
 
3)  Mark your calendar for Sunday, 25 January 2009, for our first (and maybe annual) "dead of winter BBQ".  Should be loads of fun with lots of yummies, demos, and other goodies!
 
4)  Check the blog www.friendsandcompanyblog.typepad.com for my BIG announcement sometime this month.  It is expected sometime around CHA which is at the end of January.  I'm excited and I hope you will be as well.
 
That's it for one evening.  Hope everyone is well and having a GREAT start on the new year.  Until the next time....  take care - Hugs to All - Doris

Miscellaneous "Stuff"

Greetings Everyone!!  It is already 6 January 2009.  I could hardly believe it when that realization came to me today so, with that in mind, I decided to post my Sunday's pick early for this coming Sunday, 11 January 2009.  Here tis.... anything "Tim Holtz" (i.e., with his name on it) is 25% off for Sunday only.  We have lots and lots of his "stuff" available so stop in and check it out.  We have ink pads, embossing powders, crackle, stickles, rubber stamps, etc., etc.  This should hit the spot.

Also, just want to touch base on my BIG news coming up at the end of the month.  I must admit that the speculations have been fun to hear and some of you who are concerned can rest assured that we are not moving or closing.  I just signed a lease with the current landlord.  There is no new baby coming my way via my family (at least I don't know of one) and Alice, if she even knew, would just laugh and say "No Way!".  Many have asked "Is it really that BIG?"  Well, for me it is so I truly hope you are not disappointed when I make the announcement.  Keep those speculations coming.  They are fun to hear!!

I have been very busy at the shop in the last couple of days.  Lots of you have stopped by for one reason or another so it's been fun to share "Happy New Year" greetings.  Only 8 January Paper Connections (out of 72) are left to be picked up.  The passport program is going well.  Congratulations to Debbie Royer who was the first to test the complimentary cup of soup at West 5.  Yum, yum good.  This complimentary cup of soup has not limit - can you believe it??  Dave (owner) has outdone himself on this one!  There are several other amenities via the Passport so check it out on your next visit.

For anyone who has not received word of it yet, the memorial service for Olive Holstein is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, 10 January 2009, at the West Seattle Christian Church.  Olive was a tremendous asset to Friends and Company and she is truly missed.  Now she is one of our angels.

Please remember to mark your calendar for our "Dead of Winter BBQ".  This is a first time event in January so we are hoping it'll be fun and perhaps an annual event.  Date is Sunday, 25 January 2009, from noon to 3:00 pm.  We are working on some demos and a few other things so watch for details.

OK folks once again, this is enough babble for one evening.  Hope everyone is well and have had a GREAT start on the new year!!  Until later.... hugs to all - Doris

TIP:  Looking to save money in 2009.  Invest in a crockpot.  This tip came to us from Sharon Girod and we think it is great.  It also makes meal plannning so much easier and many cuts of meat work well in a crockpot at much less expense.  Start a savings jar and drop your savings from this tip and other tips you might use this year and watch your savings grow!!

Sunday's Pick!!

Greetings Everyone!!  It is Saturday evening already.  It has been extremely busy at the shop.  We have already had a fabulous start on the new year.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who stopped in for our New Year's Day Mad Dash.  It was great fun and I think everyone had a good time.  It was nothing out of the ordinary at Friends but I think with so many folks there that the comarderie was BIG.  I had a GREAT time and was sorry that I was not able to spend a lot to time with any one person but I hope I managed to at least extend my Happy New Year wishes.

Since it is the eve of Sunday's pick, I will extend the 40% off for the entire operating day on all Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas rubber stamps.  This will be the last time these stamps will be available for 40% off.  From there, they will remain at 30% until the end of January and then be retired or whatever.  Get what you need (want!!) now and, believe it or not, start early on this year's projects.  Hee!!  Hee!!

Friends and Company has some big news - really BIG coming down the pike.  Watch for the announcement here on my blog.  It should be about the time that CHA starts (end of Jan) or early Feb when CHA is just finishing.  No, we are not moving!!  I just signed a lease with my current landlord so we are staying put.  You will undoubtedly be surprised (I was) so spread the word to everyone to check the blog.  It really will be BIG.

The newsletter has been distributed and for those folks who do not have Word, it is also on the web.  It is jam packed with information so please be sure to retain it for a while and refer back to it if you have any questions.  I am very excited about the class stimulus package and I really hope you are as well.  I am doing what I think will help to retain our terrific instructors but I cannot do it alone.  I need for individuals to be serious about their artful spirit and participate in classes throughout the year.  Let's hope that we can all do this and let our instructors really know that they are the best.

Be sure to check out the reading group and also the knit group.  It looks like both are going to get off the ground and dates are being set.  The shop will have all the latest information on both of these so if you are interested, give the shop a call.

That's it for one evening of ramble.  Hope to see you all soon, and, remember, it's gonna be really BIG.  Until later..... Happy Hugs to all - Doris