Dateline Thursday October 15th...my car is on a bead to the deli near work, where I know they sell the New York Times. Two dollars is swiped onto my debit card (cash is a thing of the past.) I contain my excitement and walk to our coffee depot nearby...The Hi Spot. While my Americano is pulled, I expressly land on Section D of the New York Times. In fat black type, at the top of the page, I read 'Home.' In less fat black type underneath, I read 'New York Times,' in that classy calligraphy font that says in a spiritual way: 'You have arrived.' My eyes scroll down and there it is, a photograph of two glassybaby (thanks Kirky) leading to page three and the 'Currents' section. The enticing copy reads: "A New West Village Store for glassybaby Votives. By Julie Scelfo." On page three I find another photo of glassybaby...this one is on a Lake Washington dock, lined, in a dream scape way, with glassybaby. The piece describes glassybaby perfectly and coins this phrase: "The flicker of a new store." Indeed we will begin to flicker on October 29th, in New York City at 555 Hudson Street. A sweet revelation from the NYT piece...if you look closely at the dock photo on page three, let your eye follow the 'string of pearls' lit glassybaby...they lead you right into our patron saint dog, Wally. Wally is Lee's debonair, Lab-esque, pooch. Wally in the New York Times, 555 Hudson Street...life at glassybaby feels complete.
People read the New York Times. Our phones were lit like Lite Brite today. The first call that I received was from a gentleman in Brooklyn praising our product, inquiring about our New York opening. I took his name to send him an invitation. When he spelled his last name he said:
" 'S' as in Superman...then 't,' 'a,' 'n'" etc...
This ranks as my favorite anecdote of this day. I got to meet superman and he is coming to our New York grand opening.
One New York Times reader posted a lovely message to the blog saying:
"I found you through the New York Times Home section today and had to shop immediately. Inspired by your story, Lee, I bought two glassybaby votives to give light and joy to two friends who are fighting cancer themselves. I know the glassybaby and your story will help in their fight. A cancer survivor myself, I just know your lights are the perfect antidote..."
What a beautiful message to share with us. We are thrilled to be joined by so many...new to glassybaby...readers of the New York Times.
End note, doggy note... We have a fan and lovely customer who hails from San Francisco. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting her in our Madrona store today. She came with her 8 month old, darling, Affenpinscher dog, named Brunhilde...a.k.a. Hildy. We had a great time together. Phyllis chose an astute mixture of molten, nishino, keith and harvest. Here is Hildy's glamor shot next to a keith glassybaby (proceeds from keith go to the Humane Society...one of Hildy's favorite charities.)
More soon. The rain and new colors have arrived.
Until Next Time, Nicola
P.S. Hail to Valerie for the NYT piece.
