April's Musings

Monday, July 18, 2005
"A few things to share from Atlanta"

Some good quotes from Susan January (what a wonderful name!), the product developer for Leanin' Tree Greeting cards, "You have to understand my business: There are no greeting card emergencies! We are in the happiness business, the communication business."


Susan speaks with her hands, nicely bedecked from her afternoon's jewelry shopping. She has a turquoise top on and dark brown hair; she looks like a western girl and I catch something of the cowgirl flair. By the way, the Western look is back, I always liked the cowboy shirt and yoke, turquoise beads, and leather boots. Susan has twin girls who wear bathing suits and rubber boots and tutus for their summer attire. We've got great tutus too—turquoise and lemon and pink! For little girls and for moms—the twins are right—these are great worn alone or underneath dresses too. Susan is a mother, an artistic product developer, and a finder of artists for Leanin' Tree publications. We had a fun evening with her in Spice Restaurant in Atlanta.

Oh those good looking Atlantans. They were in cool summer attire on this sultry night. I had to take a picture of a couple beside us. His name was Michael Jackson and hers was Adrienne Green—those names again! All part of the evening, and my observing hobby.

Well, Back to Spice Restaurant. I don't know about you but when I visit a pretty restaurant, I like to check out their bathrooms and see what they're presenting in bathroom style. Hotels and restaurants are great resources for decorating ideas. In order to impress their customers they are often the first out with new ideas and colors. If you are looking for ideas and you can’t invade people's homes, try visiting some hotels and restaurants for wall treatments, colors, and furnishings. "Spice" didn't let me down—beautiful sinks—and a fabulous art glass ceiling fixture. The cabins were dark wood, and the lighting was discreet.

Now back to the dinner table where I learned from Ms. January that Leanin' Tree is an 80 year old Colorado business, with family still owning the business and involved in the business. They still print all of their cards in the USA on their own presses and had their beginnings in cowboy art, the company continues to be famous for "on the range" cards, but have many licensed artists working with them too. Hmm... interesting folks.


Here's another cute quip I heard: "My kids think Grandma hung the moon." That was Mark Timm speaking. I love it! I think I felt the same way about my grandparents too!

There are so many young children around these days, there's a whole new batch coming on strong! In the summer we get to see them, out with mom and dad, with the grandparents, slotted in back packs, tucked in precious baskets and ensconced in high powered strollers, the bigger ones holding hands with brother or sister. It is one of the pleasures of summer to see so many children in the streets and parks and airplanes and beaches and restaurants, all forming their early childhood memories. Remember, be nice to the kids. You are could be creating a lasting impression. A kind word to the mother and father can go a long way too!

Well where was I? Oh, back to Atlanta in the evening—how about this—cocktails at Edward Chu's in Pretty Buckhead, just a hop, skip, and a jump from our Phipps's Plaza Store, you know this is a pretty area! I love the big old trees, and brick and stone homes. Let's see, was it the 15 year old Gouda, the crimson Pinot Noir, or the Flank steak that really impressed me? I think it was listening to Edward talk about the Jasmine bushes he planted around the house so he could sniff the heady smell of Jasmine in the evening after work.

I love it when men have a sense of romance too, don't you?

Well there were just many things to see and speculate about. I don't think I can tell you any more right now! I need to think about it all a little more. Or as my Cousin Sandra's daughter said when she was only five, "Mom, I took a short cut, and boy was it ever long!"

Remember, half the fun is getting there. Enjoy the journey.