the way i see it

134 Spring Street

A few things I miss about having my retail store on Spring Street in Newport Rhode Island:

Jimi, Sarah, Terri, and pretty much everyone I worked with (god we had fun.) Fibber Mghee's closet, Betty Ann, my wonderful (and I do mean wonderful) customers and ......drum role:  GERMAN WOODEN TOYS. 

What is it about these toys that just light me up inside?  I have them all over my home, and I know my children love them but you know who they are really for right?  Yup. Yours truly.  It seems reasonable to have them out everywhere in the house because they double as decor and I have young children but I honestly dont see that changing even when they are older and no longer at home! How embarrassing...I mean- how do I explain to my boyfriend that I have a German wooden toy fetish?

In all the years I had my store I have to say that every day I opened that door and walked over the threshold I still had the experience of wonder that made it special to me.  I rest assured that countless others had a similar experience who maybe could not quite put their finger on what made it a special place, but take it from me.... it was the German Toys! Cheers to all who loved it!

OH- PS: We have a facebook page and you can fan us and keep in touch!

Per usual - every christmas I place a small order for German toys and will no doubt put my order in soon so if anyone would like to order something- please let me know! I'll post some of the images in the next few posts of the items that will be considered! Stay tuned and as always I welcome any comments or feedback in the comments section below!

A Prayer for Senpai Josh

Instead of paying the bank loan this month I surrendered the money to Senpai Josh.

My son Shaw has had such a struggle with self control, and since my husband and I separated I've been wanting to introduce him to something that would support him and be a constructive and positive outlet for his energy and his emotions.  I think even under the best divorce circumstances - kids have an inner life of confusion and upset that I think is unavoidable.  My heart breaks when i wonder if Shaw needs that extra special positive influence to help him balance the tides.

I met Senpai Josh at the toy store where he was refilling the brochure rack and asked him about classes for Shaw's age group.  He was so genuine and positive - i was immediately impressed.

That afternoon- he met with us and showed Shaw what Karate was all about and before leaving I signed on the dotted line and gladly emptied my wallet.

 The first class was about respect, and team spirit.  Karate seems to fit the bill for so many of my desires around positive role modeling: confidence building, team spirit, exercise, self discipline, and the list goes on but more than that was Gabriel 's Karate which has been recommended repeatedly for the specific teachers ( love Andrew and Josh!) and the "type" of martial arts training they teach. 

Shaw's eyes were like saucers, and he walked out of there with his chest puffed up in pride.  I had buyers remorse for two more days until the second class, but seeing his reaction, and his face again was worth every penny.  I particularly love the fact that his male teachers can talk about "inner strength," resilience  and leadership with the children and demonstrate what it is, and what it looks like.   I also LOVE that there are just as many girls who train ( girl power!)as there are boys. 

There have been a few nights now where i have gone to bed with a prayer of gratitude on my lips.

I caught a few pics so you can see what i mean about his face: