What quote speaks to you?
Yesterday afternoon as I was sitting down to write the La Muse newsletter I was looking for inspiration. I started sifting through books looking for a story or quote that spoke to me. I was in the back of the store reading "Live Boldly" by Mary Anne Radmacher when the phone rang - it was BB Becker.
BB is a jewelry artist living in Colorado (we found that we have similar NY roots as he's originally from Coney Island). I first saw BB's jewelry over a year ago in the Mountain Laurel gallery in Berkeley Springs, WV. The gallery manager was kind enough to give me his contact information so that I would be able to inquire about bringing him into La Muse. As soon as I returned from the trip I called BB's office and found out that his line was already being carried in a gallery here in Old Town. As with all artists I represent BB sells to only one retail store per zip code - a policy that ensures unique products among retailers in each area. I asked his office manager to keep me in mind should circumstances change.
About a month ago I passed by the gallery here in town that carried BB's work and noticed that they had closed. I spoke with his office manager early last week and got everything I needed to place my first order. When BB called yesterday it was unexpected - he called to say hello, introduce himself and tell me a little about him, his life, his business, his family and his inspiration. BB's entire jewelry line is based in quotes and affirmations. He told me that he literally goes through thousands and thousands of quotes with his wife to decide which ones to give life to.
As we shared stories about our customers and how different quotes resonated with them, and with us, he shared a very poignant story about two sisters in Sarasota. It was shortly after their mother's death and they were both cleaning out her house when they came across a wooden box. They opened the box to find an envelope and two gift wrapped boxes, one with each of their names on it. Inside the envelope was a beautiful love letter written by a mother to her daughters - it told them how much she adored them and how very proud she was of both of them. Inside each gift wrapped box was an identical BB Becker bracelet that read "At one glance I loved you with a thousand hearts." -Mihri Hatun. Needless to say the ladies were extremely touched and called BB to let him know about their mom and the gifts. They also wanted to find out what store their mom may have purchased the bracelets at so they could go by and talk to the store owner and see if perhaps she might remember their mom. BB told me he was so happy to have been the conduit through which this mother left a final message to her daughters.
It's no coincidence that messages of hope, love, intrigue, humor and inspiration adorn almost every inch of space here at La Muse. It is because, at a very early age, I have looked to various quotes to help me stay focused in life. I remember being in high school and writing "Reach for the Stars" over and over again on everything I possibly could...and since about the age of 23 "Live with Gratitude" has been my daily mantra and remains at the forefront of my brain and heart. Each day I am at the store I look around and a particular quote will catch my eye to influence the day's activities.
I am grateful to be able to offer hundreds of different quotes in so many forms here at La Muse. My wish is that they help to inspire you in some way and bring a smile to your face. So, what quote speaks to you today? Perhaps we can help you find it!
For an index of thousands of quotes Quotegarden.com is a wonderful resource.
BB Becker's "One Glance" Bracelet may be pre-ordered at a
special price of $129.00 (regular retail $164) by emailing Debra at
sale on our website in May. Please visit BB's website and feel
free to email me if you have any questions and would like to pre order
anything else.
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La Muse is on Facebook!!
I've had many people ask me if La Muse has a page on Facebook. I put up a page on both Facebook and My Space over a year ago but hadn't updated either in quite a while. Now that Facebook has emerged as the premier social networking website I have just updated the page with some pictures, discussion topics and an ad for a 15% coupon. Please take a moment to become a fan of La Muse on Facebook and help us to spread the word by sharing La Muse with your friends.
In this economy both we and the artists we represent could definitely use the help of all of our raving fans to spread the word. Also, since we are so new to Facebook I put up a topic asking users what they'd most like to see in our page - we'd love your feedback and any recommendations you may have!!
To find La Muse on Facebook simply type "La Muse" in the top right corner of any Facebook page. |
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New additions to our website!
La Muse has been carrying Kelly's rings since 2007 and they are an absolute favorite of our customers. The quality is impeccable and the colors are brilliant - they sparkle! (Pictures just don't do them justice) These rings are comfortable and they stretch so they can't fit ANY ring size.
 CHERIE HANEY - Piercing through metal with a plasma cutter nearly as fast as she can draw on paper, Cherie first created the Shadow Charm in 1993. This brushed aluminum word magnet will adhere to anything steel including your fridge, filing cabinet, locker or magnetic message boards. It uses a super strength ceramic magnet that wont let your photos and artwork fall down!
The following two artists are brand new to La Muse - we will be receiving our first shipments in the next couple of weeks. Please expect delivery in about 21 days.
Randy Koufalis is the President, master sculptor and mould maker of RK Productions. Randy was born in Vancouver, British Columbia where he continues to reside. Randy blends old motifs and traditions with his own unique style to create both functional and decorative works of art.
 Kristin Schuerlein - Kristin and her team of people in Seattle, WA have created Affirmagy. Their goal is to spread the power of affirmations far and wide. Why? Because they know how powerful our thoughts are...how amazing things happen when you affirm the qualities you want in life.
La Muse carries their line of soft and cozy blankets with wonderful words of inspiration - all made in the USA of course!! Each blanket is 60" x 50" and is a perfect housewarming, thank you or all around gift. Debra of La Muse received one as a birthday gift and loves it so much she decided to bring them into the store!
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As always, shipping at La Muse is only $5 and any orders over $75.00 are shipped for free.
We know it's tough out there! Where you shop does make a difference, and we are honored that you choose to spend your shopping dollars with us. Without you there would be no La Muse! Rest assured, your shopping dollars are supporting American and Canadian artists and small businesses and La Muse will always continue our tradition of giving back to the community.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your support.
Pass La Muse on to friends and family and earn yourself a $5 gift certificate in the process -
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Debra Monahan
La Muse
108 N Patrick Street
Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-1696
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