PROGRESS REPORTS (a/k/a Di's Bonjour Blog):
January 7, 2010...Geez, I guess no news is good news? Maybe, maybe not... After re-opening the shop in my new location over a year ago, I stopped posting the progress reports & updates. 2009 was a year of vast changes in my personal life (beginning with a divorce in January, ending a 30-year relationship--yikes!); so, my focus was not so much on cultivating my business, but on cultivating a new way of thinking & conducting myself, cultivating new & wonderful relationships, and striving toward the practice of unconditional Loving-kindness toward myself & others. Easier said than done. That said, it's time to get busy! Since I opened 5 years ago, people have been asking if I offer Beading Classes. I have not so far, but it's probably time. Any suggestions? Wire-wrapping seems to be the most popular request. SO, my New Year goals are: 1) Better signage on the storefront; 2) Better web-site design & add e-commerce; & 3) Offer classes/ workshops.
This will be the year that determines whether or not I keep Bonjour Beads open. I love my shop, and I hope you do, too; but I suppose internet shopping has taken a large portion of business away from the independent shops. So, stop by now & then to say Hi....tell your friends....hope to see you soon. --- Dianne
9-13-08.....RE-OPEN FOR BUSINESS-AS-USUAL ! ! !
9-12-08.....Thanks to Paula for giving up her day off to help me get ready to open for business Sat. the 13th, and to her husband, Tom for stopping by---I thought just to say "Hi," but he grabbed the stepladder & went about fixing my overhead lights!
9-9-08...... (Happy B-day Dani!) I was at the new space 'til 2:00 a.m. the last 2 nights. Picked up some new display shelves from Modern Bead (Best of luck to you, Shannon), wasn't in my shop more than a minute or two when Deb called, then Paula, who both stopped in again to offer greatly appreciated help; then Sandy dropped by, too. Before I knew it, new shelves were in place, some from the trunk of my car, some from my 2nd floor former shop. Stop in this Saturday...I'm returning to regular business hours, though it'll take a week or so (???) to get things tidy (in my Dreamworld). Geez, I gotta lotta stuff! Thanks for visiting this site. Be well, Be kind....Dianne
9-8-08......Happy Anniversary, Paula & Tom! 9-5-08......Deb Y., thank you so much for helping out, yet again; and to Sandy for the same. I'm blessed to know you!
9-4-08......Thanks to Paula for her help at the Shop today, & the Happy Hour at Tully's ll (Julie's excellent Bloody Mary--I get it for the olives...yeah, that's the ticket), and to Friends who met me at BND for the Live Music...(Did I mention......how life changes? This was a day I used to celebrate....maybe you understand); and for People I don't know personally, thanks to AT&T (Ron) for their excellent service during this move...always 5 Star!!!!!
9-3-08...... Thank you, Paula & Sandy for showing up unexpectedly, & tying & tagging the Pearls! How lucky I am to have you as friends!
9-2-08.......Hey, let's pretend this is a blog (as if I knew how to do one---I guess you scroll down, most recent through the backlog of notes)...Many, many thanks again to Randy W, Deb Y, Bob W & Sally Y for removing, moving (from a second floor), & installing the panels that will hold my 'Bonjour Beads'---I don't know how I can express my gratitude--- and to Sandy, Paula, & Marie for tagging & putting those beads in place, and for the unconditional emotional support while my life is in transition. You are all Angels in your own ways.
8-31-08.......Nope, not gonna happen (open the new shop) this Thursday, Sept. 4th. I'm working with a small group of volunteers, & an even smaller budget; however, we are progressing. The beads are all in the new space, waiting for wall panel installation; tables are filling with fabulous stone pieces, ready-to-wear jewelry displays are in place, but I still need to arrange for the heavy lifting (the worst part of the move--down the stairs!). I'm sure I'll be open for business-as-usual by Tuesday, Sept. 16th.
8-27-08.....I'm hoping to be open for business Thursday, Sept. 4th, when the phone line is switched---a new beginning! The new space at 6424 (right next to PDQ) will be awesome!!!
8-25-08......The Bead Shop is in TOTAL TRANSITION...painting is complete, (mucho thanks to Bob Wombacher at Robert's Painting 238-2985); now, oh my!, setting up the shop!!! Bigger space, better visibility (next to PDQ), and Street Level---I'm so excited!!! Check back for progress reports...And Love & thanks to friends new & old: Bob, Julie, Randy, Susan, Sally, Christi, Sandy & Bob Ohm, Paula & Tom Westaway, Deb Yohn, Sue, the great folks at PDQ (my Landlords)....et al....and especially my Mum, Marie.
