A Day for Dolly: When A Flower Grows Wild
Yesterday was the most perfect, beautiful day.
It might have just been the most beautiful market we've hosted yet.
The weather was divine (we can't control that, but boy are we grateful when it shows up the way it did!), the vendors were incredible, the smiles and hugs were a-plenty, and the flowers were all smiling.
Including the floating flower arrangement below, which sat upon the new garden table in The Lot. I threw it together in a rush on Friday afternoon before we opened for the preview night, running out to the field and using my shirt as a harvest basket.
I went for mostly zinnias (a few marigolds made it in, too), dumped them out on the table, and quickly set them in the bowl. It wasn't until later that night as I was catching up on the events of the day and I saw all of the tributes to Dolly pouring in that I realized what I'd done.
The bright pink zinnia, right in the center.
Her music is trending at the top of every playlist right now, and I stumbled on her recording of "Wildflowers" with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.
And that's when I lost it.
We always like to have a playlist on market days - it just helps to set the vibe.
At one point near the end of the day, I was walking down the alley behind The Lot, and I heard Dolly's incandescent trill drifting through the air from our boombox on the back deck - mixed with the conversation and laughter and shuffling through the gravel and storytelling of so many guests.
And it was just the most beautiful moment.
I also had so many conversations today about my publicly announced "need for a break" from social media earlier this week. This is in addition to some 20 comments on the reel so far (it didn't feel right to "just vanish").
When so many of you react to something I've shared in such a short time, it's a notable thing: dare I venture to say, I struck a nerve? (A good one, mind you).
For what it's worth, you all shared exactly the same thing: "Relatable. I've been feeling the same way, and I didn't think I could step back from it until now."
Imagine if we just went back to connecting with one another like we did before social media... (I'm craving print media by the day.)
It can be done.
And - when this many people mention it, I know that means there are ten-fold more of you out there, and it was evident to me today that we're all feeling the same thing: burnout, exhaustion, general discontent and malaise. The world is on fire, after all, so it's no secret why.
But then, days like this come along.
One of my favorite people came into The Shop today and this was their basket.
If you frequent the Near Northwest Neighborhood, I'll give you a few moments to try and guess who these goods belong to... you'll know who it is 😉❤️.
(I've tucked the reveal at the end of today's note).
We don't see one another often enough, even though we're neighbors. If I can, I like to check in on big days like this, because truth be told, part of how I measure the success of a big market day event like today is whether or not our fellow shops also feel a boost, in addition to our vendors.
Our success is our neighbor's success.
And, you all turned out - as you always do - because you get it.
Every time you walk through our door and buy a good or a product or a gift or a plant or a new hobby supply, you're casting a vote for more days like today, and this is the only way it works.
Of, by, and for this place we call home.
You keep showing up for us, and we keep showing up for you.
Speaking of showing up, can we get some love for this absolute masterpiece of chalk art in our parking lot created by artist Keegan?
I was in the Shop most of the day and didn't notice it taking shape right outside the window until the end of the day.
I am seriously impressed.
You should come see it before it rains. It will make you smile, and that's worth everything these days.
The Lot is now open anytime The Shop is open.
It's official.
The Lot is back, this time, as a community-forward oasis in the heart of my favorite place. While we don't have another market until the holidays, you can stop by anytime to just hang out, enjoy the gardens, sit in the shade, and literally smell the flowers.
Bring a book. Bring friends. Bring a journal, sketchpad, water colors, markers, pencils. Listen to music. Play a board game in the camper. Enjoy your coffee from Counterspell or The Local Cup alfresco.
Whatever. Just show up. Be present. Tune in to the life around you. Let your nervous system un-clench. Take a deep breath (or several).
As you head back into the world, I hope you leave feeling renewed and inspired, hopeful and engaged, calm and focused. Determined.
Be strong, and of good courage. Much depends on us.
I can't help feeling like Dolly was partially responsible for today. Sure, it's probably because I'm carrying her close to my heart and top of mind right now, but then I remember that feeling of hearing her voice drift through the late afternoon summer air, and I can't help but smile.
I think we can at the very least thank her for the beautiful weather. ✨
Her legacy lives on in days like this, where joy, community, connection, and memories are made and lives are made richer and more full by being together.
As always, it continues to take a village.
See you soon.
-Ben | Founder & Owner
P.S. The mystery shopper in question is our very own Kathy Burnett, owner of Brain Lair Books, our local and independent book store right up the street, right on the corner.
