The Rains of Scotland, Christmas Shopping?, For Gretchen

   I am safely back from Scotland...Ahhh the misadventures of weather. Little does the Scottish weather muse know...Seattlites and consecutive days of torrential rain are a match made in heaven. No fear. We heartily survived it. As my husband says: "There's no poor weather, just poor clothing." Truth be told...my suitcase could have used a few more sleeves; however I did stay sheltered by my trusty gortex, and our 3 year old was brilliantly intrepid (maybe it is the 1/4 Scot in her.)

   It's good to be back, and we are thriving here, drenched in August sun (Thank God.) I passed the Scottish torch to a dear customer Elise. She will travel back to her homeland and birthplace of Scotland, to be in a friend's wedding just after Labor Day. She gathered 9 gorgeous glassybaby to take as gifts. The dominant color chosen: Angel. Elise gravitated toward it's neutrality and glow articulating: "I know I love a color when I want to eat it." Bon Voyage Elise.

   This week's trademark?...Christmas shopping. I'm outraged. How impressive. One customer is taking her 2 college sons to Kauai...an enticement to lure her peripatetic boys to spend the holidays with good old mom and pops. She purchased 6 oceanic glassybaby for gifts while on the island. Wow...I must come to terms with the fact that I am an underachieving Virgo. Ho Ho Ho.

   On a sacred last note. One of our dear, dear customers...more accurately...friend, passed away last week...Gretchen Mathers. I had the honor and complete joy of knowing her through our store. She crested 6 feet tall, a length that seemed to match her smile, sparkle, elegance and savvy. She loved glassybaby and championed us from the very beginning. Lee describes Gretchen as one of our original customers come cheerleader.

   There is more to Gretchen than we can possibly convey. A few jewels of her life...She was a maverick in the catering field. She began 'Gretchen's Of Course', a hugely successful catering venture. She adored Maui and regularly visited her resonant Hawaii.

   I learned that Gretchen passed absolutely surrounded by her family, wearing a gorgeous lei, with beautiful Hawaiian music serenading her onto her next journey. Lee has named Seattle Sunset a 'giving' glassybaby in Gretchen's honor. It is the most magnetic color and wonderfully matches one of Gretchen's favorite ever present nail polish colors...how fitting. Gretchen learned of this bequest before she passed away. It was her wonderful choice to name The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as the recipient of funds from Seattle Sunset.

   Gretchen, we adore you. Your memory is beautifully etched upon us.We give to Cancer rersearch in your name. Until Next Time...Nicola

Comments

[Jeff]

I just attended Gretchen's wonderful memorial service yesterday. There under her tremendous smile was an arrangement of Hawaiian flowers, six Seattle Sunset Glassbaby's and a note explaining your wonderful donation. Thank so much for your generosity. Not only were your Glassbaby's stunning, but your token of love has made a huge impression on the many who came to pay their respects. You have a legion of new fans. Thanks.