Portrait of a Preacher

When I found this black and white photograph in this wonderful old mat and frame I had to have it. There were so many things that I loved about this picture, the gentleness that seemed to just emanate from this man and the way I could be transported to a much different time and place just by looking at a photograph.

I wondered if this man is someone who was loved very much by many or cherished by only a few. I couldn't help but wonder about the things that might have made his hair gray or the children that he undoubtedly held in his hands. I wondered what book he was reading and found myself believing that it was the Bible even though I cannot tell for sure. And I even hoped it was my favorite passage.

As I search this old photograph for clues that might satisfy my hunger to know this man I wonder if he was a vessel for God's work and restored souls as his photograph was restored.

I have looked at this photograph for weeks now and my thoughts and feelings haven't changed. This is a photograph of a gentle soul who was loved. I will never know who he is, but I will always know how he made me feel...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20983713

Mississippi Mud Bakelite Bangles

Ah, the art of shameless promotion~I must admit, I'm not very good at it. I'm much better at selling others items. But, a girls got to eat so here are some new additions to my vintage shop and I must tell you that they are pretty. I know, it's hard to think that something called Mississippi Mud will be pretty, but trust me on this one, okay?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20641094

And as always, thanks for visiting. Comments are always welcome. I'll visit your blog too, just tell me where you are and how you found me!

Introducing My New Line of Garden Charms

Spring is finally on it's way. I think we've blown away the darkness of the winter and I'm introducing my new line of North Shore Clay Garden Charms. I tested these in my own garden for the past year before putting them on the market to be sure they would stand the test of time in yours. I live in Northern Minnesota where the temperature can drop to 30 below and the winds really do howl out loud...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20649295

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20650029

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20545990

Take a look at these pretty garden charms and let me know what you think of them. Watch for more colors and styles to come soon. And, if you would like one in a special color let me know, I would be happy to oblige.
Until next time...Come on spring!

Be Excellent!

Some tips for excellence not only in business, but life.

• You're not learning anything when you're talking


• Be a part of excellence, not critical of it.


• Be open to change


• Get up early and work late


• If you're not changing, you're not in first place


• If you're doing the same thing this year as last year you're losing ground


• If you follow up, you will be a hero


• Motivation is what turns knowledge and skill into success


• Aim high, you normally hit what you aim for.

A big Thanks

Thanks to those who answered the call to be featured! You will be notified by the end of next week! Things have been busy in the North Shore Clay, http://northshoreclay.etsy.com studio this past week. I've been busy making Garden Charms. I know spring and summer are light years away yet, but I couldn't help myself. I hope to post some pictures tomorrow and you can tell me what you think of them.

Things are busy on the vintage front as well and I have made some great vintage finds and have listed some wonderful new items in my vintage Etsy store. http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com/ a couple of vintage map prints that are so beautifulhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20082913 and of course, where my heart really is, vintage jewelry. I hope you find something you love. Take good care, my friends. I'll talk to you soon!

p.s. I'm a Grandma, again...a little girl this time...her name is Zoe...YES!

A Girls Best Friend

Baby it's cold outside. Ladies and gentlemen, I've got a few little items to take the chill off any cold day!
To start us off is this Trifari Choker. Chokers were all the rage back in the 50's and 60's and still are today.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19823114
Here we have a very sophisticated Monet black enamel and goldtone bar pin. This pin dates to the 60's and is in fabulous condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19821300
Do you love vintage Avon? Me too. I always get so excited when I find a great piece of vintage Avon jewelry that I can find to share with you. This wonderful navy and goldtone piece with the most beautiful chain I have ever seen will look beautiful with a white shirt and a tan.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19751701
You are going to love this one. If you don't look at anything else today. You've got to check this one out. This is a purple pump (shoe) pin with rhinestones on the toe and heel. How hot is this?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19750521
I've seen plenty of Damascene as I've traveled through the internet. I found this Spanish Galleon with Maltese Crosses at a little Antique Store in Pennsylvania. It has a bit of wear, but it's one of the best I've ever seen.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19749670
This clamper bracelet is just plain flashy! If you are the kind of lady who likes to get noticed, this will get it done. This one is from my personal collection and I have owned this for many, many years and it is in pristine condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19157442

Thank you for visiting my blog and for checking out these great vintage items. I am not an expert in any area, but I will represent these items as honestly as I can. If you have any questions please visit my Etsy store at http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com and send me a "convo" (short for conversation) which you will find at the top of my home page.

Until we meet again, stay warm!

Dealing With Complaints

Ouch! It happened and now you have to deal with it. Successful companies have found that customers who have complained and had their complaints dealt with to their satisfaction are more loyal than customers who never complained. This give you an understanding of how important it is to handle complaints quickly and efficiently.

You should have a timeline and a fair procedure in place for handling complaints. You should never let a complaint drag on or hope it goes away. If you are wrong, admit it, apologize, and make compensation. Then go the extra step and ask your customer what else you can do to win back their trust.

When a complaint is handled badly, not only does the customer feel like they have not been taken seriously, they take their business elsewhere and tell everyone why. Resolve the complaint quickly and your loyal customers will feel well cared for and give you referrals for your hard work.

Remember that an existing customer is more valuable than a potential customer.