Welcome to Shorebirds

The Jacket

2009-02-16T08:17:00.001-08:00

Several months ago, we had a gentleman come in wearing a beautiful, well made jacket. We had just recieved a bunch of jackets, including a gorgeous denim, fleece lined. He fell in love with in and offered to swap. We're open to pretty much anything as long as it's fair and honest. He popped back in a couple of weeks ago, in a different jacket. I asked what happened to the other jacket and he explained that it had, inadvertently, been left somewhere and it was not there when he came back for it. I told him we still had his original jacket and by golly, he swapped back for it. What a hoot. We'll clean up this jacket and see what happens.

We've had a severe winter, but this weekend is wonderful, and hopefully indicative of days to come.
Karen

January 5, 2009

2009-01-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Jewelry, some of the finest around; Irish stuff, all sorts from useful to beautiful and useful. Baseball Cards, Tea cards, and a new .99 cent booth.

January 3, 2009

2009-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Shorebirds. It's started off great. We had a horrendous storm on the first, but the store was open. We did finally throw in the towel when even our feathered friends outside left or hunkered down. We listened to their advice and went home. The next two days have been beautiful and fabulous here on the coast. I was able to take a walk on the beach and look at all the driftwood and other treasures the ocean has put up on the shore for viewing. The air was so crisp and clean. You just have to love the place.

I guess Waldport made the news, we had a huge slide that covered a street and moved a house to the point where the individuals could not get out (the doors were tweaked) and the fire department had to get them out. Fortunately, the fire department is right in front of them, the response time was spectacular.

Chuck! We found the bottom of the Smores Salt and Pepper...it was upside down!

Until tomorrow,
Karen

New Day, New Year

2009-01-01T19:55:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone, and Happy New Year,
This is going to be a great year, I just know it. I didn't post during December. I got a nasty cold and we were so busy that things were just crazy. After the cold, Man, it felt good!!!

We were open for a little while today, but the weather was nasty so we decided to close early. We did contact the vendors that had indicated they would be in.

I'm going to be working on creating prints for artists starting tomorrow I hope. I've got the color correction right, now just got to sharpen things up.

We also decided that we're going to winter hours. What we've observed is that at certain times, there's this magical switch and the sidewalks roll up. You may see cars on the highway, but they're not thinking of stopping, just of getting home. So, from now through the end of March, we'll be open from 10 - 5 Monday through Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday. We can be contacted and make arrangements if you need something at some other time. We're still full service to our vendors.

We're starting to take down Christmas tomorrow and head for the Oregon 150th anniversary and Valentines Day on the February 14.

Happy New Year!
Karen

Bobble Heads

2008-12-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Pat has a cold. She had it all last week. I kept telling her to go home, but she'd stay as long as she could. Yesterday, I had to not come in. I have a cold. I have no idea where I could have got it. He he he Today, I'm here and feeling like a bobble head. Funny, Pat had used the same description. That reminds me, have you ever heard of the "two hat" method of curing a cold. You wrap up in every blanket you have and stick a foot out of the blankets. You put a hat on that foot and drink Irish Hot Toddys until you see two hats. You may not be cured but you won't care.

We have a neat give away for Monday. It's a little lighted christmas tree with lots of bows that Pat created. We have another one for sale in the store, it's a good deal. It's getting to be that time, and we have warm, fluffy blankets to keep you warm. Our fat quarters (a quilting term) are thinning out. We're offering gift wrapping, and the Beta Max is up and running. I just watched "the vikings" with Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine (?sp) and now I have the original "That's Entertainment". We've also got lots of great tin signs, so come in and see us.
Karen

Where's Waldo

2008-12-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

Today, a very nice couple came in and wandered through the store. They had been in before and really enjoyed the restaurant (Meatballs!!) that we had sent them to for dinner. It was so good they came back before they return home. As they were leaving the store, the gentleman shyly asked me if we took consignments. I gave him my usual pitch about it was very selective, but occasionally we did, however, usually you have to be a vendor. Our vendor's are so important to us that they always come first in the "what can we do for YOU" department. he brought out a piece of copper that he had scratched on of a fox. It was spectacular. Then he showed me his catalog and some pieces out in his car. Beautiful Copperwork. So we have the fox, a ships wheel, and a lighthouse. I'm proud to blab that Waldo is in Waldport. Pictures later.

Sparkling Day!

2008-12-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

He he, I just read last night's post...I was sure on a role!!

I had to drive to Newport (Oregon) this morning, to pick up some supplies for my framing business. I can't wait to get into the space to play with them.

As I'm driving in, it was overcast and I'm sleep deprived from going to the seminar and then being too wound up to get to sleep, and of course every little thing is beginning to crush in on me. So, I'm slumping, and frowning and just plain getting depressed. All of a sudden, I turned the corner around Ona Beach, a Bald Eagle flew right in front of the car, the gloom parted, the trees were limed in gold, the ocean turned blue and sparkled, the crab boats were a brilliant white and I thought to myself, how can you feel depressed when it's so beautiful!
By the time I got to the supply store, I was smiling.

We're going to do a drawing every Monday through Christmas. This week, we've got a lovely, small, lighted, decorated, table top Christmas Tree for our first drawing. I'll try to bring in my camera tomorrow and get a picture loaded up. To enter, just come in the store, fill out an entry slip, and wait for the call or e-mail.

We have loads of Christmas stuff, including some delightful hand crafted doggie coats including a blingy Pink Coat for your girl, complete with crown. Jeanetta brought in some neat wall hangings. Pat made some cool Christmas Charm earrings. Lu and Dennis have beautiful designer signature blankets for those cold nights.

Till tomorrow,
Karen

From Stuff to Treasures

2008-12-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

I went to an internet class tonight, taught by two of the top webmasters in Lincoln County. There was also a plug for SHOP LOCAL. I did get the t-shirt. Anyway, one thing I learned was that if you have a blog, you have to keep it updated. So, here's my promise to try and update this everyday.We have a new table in the shop. It's a delightful dark, yet rich wood, with a New Home Treadle base. We'll also be setting up the Beta Max in the morning, right after I get back from picking up framing supplies in the morning. The story with the table and Beta is my neighbor, George, may he rest in peace. George died several weeks ago, now. He was only 62. A small guy, but very private. My neighbor, Bill, is slowly going through his stuff and Shorebirds will be the receipient of some of it. I talked to Bill, tonight. George never threw anything away. He has stuff in his apartment (which they're keeping rented through December so they don't have to rush) from 1970. He had no family, and very few close friends. I'm glad Shorebirds will be getting some of the stuff he treasured, we'll treat it with respect and try to find homes where it will become a treasure again.The moral of my story here, is, why store all the stuff that someone will throw out when you're gone...save the best and get the rest to a new home. Perhaps, coming into Shorebirds, where we'll treat your stuff as the treasure it is, and find it a new home to both our benefit.Happy de-stuffing.Karen

Shorebirds Meets Spectacular Carver

2008-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

We had a visit today from Brad Snodgrass of Dutch Creek Decoys. Here's a link to his site:
http://dutchcreekdecoys.com/
He is a top award winner.
He was attracted by the the Shorebirds and does carve Shorebirds. What a fascinating and neat person, I hope he enjoys the day here, and it's the start of a long time friendship.
Speaking of the day, it has been filled with delightful and fun customers, everyone is enjoying the mild weather. Jeanetta Hodges just walked in. She has http://Eyesthatseephotography.com. Take a look at her fabulous photography.
We both enjoyed Thanksgiving, Pat spent the day with her family and precocious two year old grandson and I was at the Moose Lodge, volunteering to take photos and eat. We hope that anyone that reads this blog also had a wonderful day with friends and family.
Karen

Pooh Bear and the Spirit of Giving

2008-11-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Spirit of Giving has come to Shorebirds. Yesterday, there was a little girl in the store with her mother. She was probably around three. There was also another couple that were just so much fun. We have a Pooh Bear in our Christmas Corner. The little girl saw the bear (he was just her size and could look her in the eye standing up). She asked for it but Mom said not enough money. She cried and cried and Mom finally got her distracted into the other section of the store. Meanwhile, the gentleman from the other couple, purchased the Pooh Bear, went around the corner and gave it to the little girl (with permission from Mom). She carried the bear through the store, made everyone give it a big kiss, and then, carefully set it down and gave the gentleman a BIG Hug. It was truly an "awwww" moment, and will go down as one of the best sales we've had all year.

Hugs and Pooh Bear kisses to everyone on Thanksgiving.
Karen

Brass

2008-11-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Brass is a term used for a bold behavior. Like other things in Shorebirds, it's more of a retro term now. Today I got the old popcorn out to give to the birds. One of the brown seagulls immediately swooped down, almost to my feet to grab the biggest and the best. I nicknamed her Brass for her behavior. Then I noticed something interesting. She has a weakened and deformed foot, she's not as good on the ground as the other birds, but, she got the lion's share of the treats. I guess Shorebirds is like that. We may not be the strongest, but we're trying to be the boldest and take the life we've chosen and make the most of it. Guess you could say we've got Brass, in more ways than one. (Marvin was not happy and told me about it).
Karen

Monday!

2008-11-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's still beautiful here! No rain, crisp air, and everything just shimmers. Waldport is a magical place if you take the time to really look. Marvin, Marvin, and Marvin (or Marvette), our resident crows, have been giving us quite a bit of entertainment. Yesterday, I was looking out the glass door at Marvin (the one with the eyebrows), I moved to the other window and by golly, he ran over to look at me there too. Well, I didn't see anyone around so, I ran to each window, so did he. I'd like to think we both had a good laugh playing hide and seek. This morning, I threw out some old popcorn and there he was, with the other two. Then, from across the street on the Excel roof came all the Seagulls. Oh the comments they made. The brownish ones with fascinating markings were by far the boldest and most verbal. I got two of them within a foot of me. I did have to work the crowd so the favorites (M&M&M) got the lion's share.
We're getting a treadle table in and are looking for an old TV set to play the beta. Stop in and see what's new, lots of retro and vintage christmas items, including a wonderful coat with swirly buttons, it comes with a hat, pin, watch and other stuff but those buttons! are fantastic.
Karen

November 23, 2008

2008-11-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I meant to post a lot sooner than this but wow, things just flew. My neighbor, George, died unexpectedly and his executor and close neighborhood friend have been slowly distributing items. Shorebirds got his Beta Machine with lots of great videos. Once we figure out how to hook it up, we'll really be Retro. Can you say "South Pacific"?.

The Diabetic Run/Walk was a little disappointing. The whole thing was done in the back alleys and we did not get to see anything. We had the press here too. Sandra had beautiful retro and vintage jewelry and Rick is always a delight to have around.

Mike, on the corner, Waldport Photogifts, and good friend, has helped us set up a website and we should be live in a couple of day. The website is ShorebirdsByTheBay.com. I'll also be setting up ScratchboardArtists.com.

You can also see our personal work (eg. earrings) at the 4Cs (Lincoln City Cultural Community Center). I sit the gallery once a month so that our stuff can be in there. I got a lot done on a commission while I was there.

That's all I can think of for now. Have a beautiful sunny day, it's what I've got here.
Karen

Saturday November 15

2008-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hi! I wanted to get a quick reminder that this weekend is the Lions Stride for Diabetes. Shorebirds will have Rick Schultze there signing his book, and another vendor will have costume jewelry (three generations). We may also have the Humane Society, but I haven't heard from them so have no idea if they will show up. I'll expect them if I see them.
Karen

'Twas a Dark and Rainy Day

2008-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

'Twas a dark and rainy day, but hey, it's the Oregon Coast. Yesterday, I got to go to an Art Affair they have at the Local Fish Research Center. I do have to admit the best part was the company I kept and connected with. They had lasagna for lunch, am I the only person that does not like lasagna? However, they ran classes on Silk Screening, Fish Printing, Watercolors, and photography/videography. I took the Silk Screening and Fish Printing. I don't think I'll be incorporating any of these art forms into my art any time soon (well, I already do photography). I kept trying to invite some of the fish to come home with me, but they would not allow it. Sigh. I did take the walking tour. Extremely interesting and I'm sure we only scratched the surface. I stood at the falls quite a while trying to get a picture of the salmon going over the fall, but the timing was off, I'd always be looking at the wrong spot. I also got to see baby salmon, probably 1/2 inch long that were three months old. I did get one picture that I will share of a gorgeous, over 24 inch Rainbow Trout. He/She really tried to follow me home (could not have had anything to do with feeding it, could it) but they wouldn't let me take her. I'm going to offer Scratchboard Classes there next year. It's very educational, and loads of fun. Very family friendly.

Today is Pat's Birthday. She's my business partner. She's much older than I am now.

Happy Birthday Pat!!!!

Karen

November Already

2008-11-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's November already (I know, redundant, eh?). Anyway, we do have an event planned so come on down on November 15. The Lions are having their first annual Run/Walk for Diabetes. We'll have a antique costume jewelry, three generations worths, a book signing by Rick Schultze for his new book, and tenatively, the Humane Society with animals that need a forever home. Please come by and see us. We have fun new stuff in the store, including fat quarters for fabric artists, Studio 56 collections, beautiful decorative mirrors and art instruction books. I'm setting up schedules tomorrow for scratchboard classes, woodburn and acrylic classes, and Pat will be working on some sewing classes. Winter just changes the focus a bit, it does not slow us down. Come by for a visit.
Karen and Pat

Halloween

2008-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Big Day! We had a Pumpkin Carving Contest, goodie bags, and a grand time. Next year, it will be even bigger and better. Mike (Waldport Photogifts) was fantastic. He had a great time taking photos of the kids (all ages and sizes) and was able to show off what he can do at his store. He's also a kid at heart and carved his own pumpkins too. I'll try to get a link or post some of the photos, but we are a little cautious since kids are involved. We were all exhausted at the end of the day. There was also a craft show down the street that is just getting started. Our goal was to get some traffic going through the area and we did so well that Jo, from Tropical Treats, who was here handing out free popcorn, had to leave to go help out at her store. The Chamber President and several board members came by for while. Like I said, a good time was had by all. There was also some filming going on for a movie around the corner...I guess that was pretty exciting too.

We have pumpkins left, and goodie bags. Some pumpkins were left and are now on display.

Sigh, if only Chuck had been here to play music (he he).

It's Sunday and there's lots of traffic going through. We saw bunches of Corvettes yesterday and I've already seen several this morning (although no sign of Mike yet). I did get a call this morning which I returned. One of the first place winners will be down today to pick up her award!! At least I think that's what she said, her mom said she was doing handstands through the house last she saw her. What fun.

Now, we're planning to do something in conjunction with the Diabetic Run/Walk in November, and we have a Santa, but not a date yet.

Awk!

Karen

October

2008-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming and on the 25th, a Saturday, we're going to have a pumpkin carving contest, and face painting.

One of the vendors has her photography on the cover of the Local Yellow Book.

We had the local search and rescue dogs here for the day as a fundraiser.

The Edsel visited for the Day during Cruising for Crab.

We're in the Old Stuff Newspaper/Circular and were a featured store in Tidbits in the month of September.

Happy days,
Karen

SAR Dogs

2008-08-24T19:09:00.001-07:00

The big day has come and gone. We spent a lovely day (it's raining right now) with Tony and Dixie and Angel and Ranger. They were a big hit and it was fantastic to see the nice turn out to raise awareness of Search and Rescue Dogs. I'm so enthused that Parker ran his first baby track today. Piece of cake for him, but I had to do a lot of explaining to Linda about beginning scent, messing up the field with her scent, but hey, I made the same errors the first time I ever tried scent work too. Not the best pictures right now, but it will make a beautiful portrait. Here's Angel and Ranger.

Karen

Weather in Waldport

2008-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday,
It was a loooonnnnggg day yesterday. Pat's kids were in town so she split her time between the store and trying to be with them. Shirley Dees' Clock sold. I'm going to miss that beautiful piece of artwork, but maybe I can talk her into bringing in another of her clock creations. Her table is still available but I think it will follow quickly on the heels of the clock.

If you're thinking of coming out, it's misty, foggy, a touch humid but cool!!! I high recommend it.
Karen

Search and Rescue Fundraiser

2008-08-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 23, the day after the big Booster Auction, Shorebirds will host Tony and Dixie with their SAR (Search and Rescue) dogs, Angel and Ranger. Tony and Dixie do this as a voluntary thing aside from their regular jobs. We're hoping to raise money so they can keep their required certifications and training up to date. Angel will have photographs to sign along with prints of some artwork of her. There will also be flyers. We're hoping to raise awareness of the local Search and Rescue Teams. Please stop by if you can. They will be there from 11 to 2.
Karen

Warm Days on the Coast

2008-08-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, I didn't bring the camera today and it was a gloriously beautiful day and for me, way too warm. Pat and I both had things we had to do so we took turns being in the shop. It worked out very well. I took the closing shift because I had a student coming in for a private lesson. I left the doors open and we had customers until after seven and they spent and spent. A very good day. All the customers loved the store, loved the items and were thrilled that we were still open. We may do this more often. I've been trying to figure out when to offer classes in scratchboard and this may be the ticket. I certainly don't mind staying if I was able to get to stuff that needs to be done during the day and I'm sure we're all like that. Tomorrow, I'll try to take pictures of what I'm teaching, it's a work in progress but I like it, and it might intrigue other.
TC
Karen

Spectacular Saturday

2008-07-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

A fantastic day today, chock full of fun customers, new vendors and current vendors checking in and thanking us for a running a great store.

Just a note on some upcoming events. The Lippazaners will be Newport in August for one show each evening (check lippazaner.com or the fairground office for more information) and Shorebirds will be having a fun day with the local Search and Rescue Team as a fundraiser for them, to help support training and equipment and always, the best of care for the dogs.

Karen and Pat

Sunday, July 20, 2008

2008-07-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

Someone cued the Wind. As soon as the doors opened it started blowing. Fortunately, it blew people in..I'm calling it a Wind Free Zone. Of course, it's been a very calm evening.

All the antique cameras in the store were sold today. While selling, I met a new guy in town that's looking at creating a stronger art community. Fantastic, Mike, and it was a pleasure to meet you.

Onward and Upward.
Karen

Saturday, July 19

2008-07-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

A long and busy day. The wind kept heads down and hats flying. But we did have the pleasure of a fabulous artist coming in to have something framed. His name is Paul and he is just a fantastic graphite artist in his own right. He was very humble and just too nice for words. Hope he checks in occasionally and let's us know how he's doing.

Chuck, we did it...we beat your record right after you left.

And Steve, it was great to see you and enjoy your sly wit. Glad you came back from Florida.

We did stop by the fair this evening. Our vendor John Bindley, marshmallow shooter creator, was there with several new models, including one that shoots around corners. Maybe he'll put one in the shop. I tried to get photos of the animals but it was dinner and/or bed time so most of them either had their heads down, eating, or their backs to me. I did get another elephant ear but it was not even close to as good as the one I had in Salem the day before.

Tomorrow's Sunday and I really must start working on the newsletter.
Happy days all!
Karen

Playing Hookie

2008-07-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to go to the Salem Art Fair Today. It's the first time I left the store for a full day. Unfortunately, Pat's brother and sister-in-law and his Harley came to see her and she couldn't get a full day off to visit with them. I was so bummed. She did say though that we had good friends come in and give her some time away to spend with them. Thanks Gene, and Keith. You guys are the best. I showed up just as she was closing so we haven't been able to put our heads together and review the day.

I have to admit, though, that I had a great time with several members of my Coastal Artisans group. We went to see some of Shirley's work. She's in the Pacific Artist Association. After this show, she's going to let me bring some of her phenomenal work down to the shop for sale and display. Her furniture was glorious. I'm attaching two pictures, one is a close-up of her bird feeder and the other one is a portion of her booth. she had books, prints, tables, chairs, and her beautiful clocks. She is so talented and Shorebirds is delighted that she exhibits with us.

Thank you Shirley and all the Coastal Artisans.

Karen

Wednesday

2008-07-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

It was sort of a slow, lazy, sort of day, but we did have wonderful people come in to visit and take home some of our treasures or practical things that are needed to enjoy yourself at the beach. We're sure glad we picked up some basic art supplies.

I don't think I've mentioned it, but at Treasures and More, there used to be a table with a chess set. I've always wanted to play but never got around tuit (which are at the fair this weekend...Newport Fairgrounds from Friday through Sunday). We adopted the table and chess set principle and I've been getting lessons from anyone that will sit down and play (when I have the time to break away). Anyway, this cool kid came in today...and trounced me thoroughly. I definitely need more lessons.

Until tomorrow,
Karen

Tudsday

2008-07-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

What a fun day, lots of really wonderful people came in. They're all so interesting. One of the members of one of our booths will be an exhibitor at the Salem Art Fair this weekend. Her name is Shirley Dees and she is "Burning Artistry". Check out her website at www.burningartistry.com. She does acrylic with woodburning on furniture. She'll have many beautiful things there. I'm sorry I did not save some of the photos.

Also, Happy Birthday to Chris! He's a wonderful guy and strong supporter of Shorebirds!

See you tomorrow,
Karen

Quick Update

2008-07-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

We've been marvelously busy. We have several new vendors, with wonderful stuff. Welcome Canadians and Brits and all the myriad of interesting people that have stopped in. I think we really need a guest book. I'm also going to do some searching and see what I can find to post of things to do here in Waldport.

The other day we had a beautiful white Harley in front of the store. It owned Johnnie and Jeannie, two really delightful people. I do hope they stop in again and let me drool all over their bike.

We've been zapped with several fires lately. Not at the store but near homes. I used to love firecrackers, but there's no common sense used with them anymore. You should have seen the brush fire in the wind. I had too many years of it.

We also had several pet deaths, including Keith's Queenie, Marie's Hamish and a small chichuahua that had been let out of a car and got hit by another car. There's a lot more to the story that's slowly unfolding, but it breaks my heart. Please hug your pet and remember, they cannot take care of themselves.

Until tomorrow, I promise....
Karen

Sunday, July 6, 2008

2008-07-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

What a spectacular day! It's a bit windy but the sun is out and the water is sparkling. The store had it's best Sunday ever, wonderful people visiting and wonderful sales. It was the sort of day that makes me happy that I live on the beach..even though I've not had a real bad day yet.

Karen

4th of July

2008-07-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Holiday and I Salute You All. It's been a very busy couple of days and silly me did not have my camera with me. Hopefully, I can get Pat to post some of the photos she took. Things have been selling! and selling! and selling!! People are coming in, in clumps of 10 to 15 at a time! It's been great.
Friday we had a 1958 Edsel Wagon with Surfboard come visit for a couple of hours. We got permission from the wife to have hubby come visit again, with his other classic/antique car (I don't remember if it's a Model A or Model T, I'm sorry.
Today, Saturday we had a drum circle and got to introduce a new little girl to her first friends when she starts school...she'll be very popular since she's a drummer. The drumming was soooo good, you should come down and hear it sometime. I'll ask Jan to give me a schedule and post it. We also had visitors from the Yaquina Bay Art Museum, they thought our art was very, very nice.
I'm keeping this short, I'm beat and am off to bed shortly. I just felt bad because I haven't posted anything.
Until tomorrow!
Karen

Last Day of the Month

2008-06-30T20:55:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a whirlwind few days. Thanks to all who have visited. We're gearing up for the 4th of July weekend and are already starting to feel the effects of people coming to visit....It feels Goooood!!! I haven't had my camera with me for the last few days, but I haven't stuck my head out of the store for long either. Jan, next door, told me that all the hotels and motels are booked solid. It's music to my ears.

We're in the planning mode of having a fund raiser for the local Search and Rescue Unit. I did a picture of Angel a year or so ago. I have to go find the file, but I'll try to post it tomorrow. We want to raise awareness of those who not only serve, but spend many of their own hours training for that one moment in time when they can make a difference. In my past life, I showed dogs, mostly in obedience, but I had a Champion or two. I was able to dabble in tracking but never titled in it. I hunted with my dogs and loved it and I think there is nothing as beautiful as a dog doing something he/she loves. I always wanted to do SAR work, but somehow, it never got to the top of the list, so this is going to be my way of paying it forward. Hopefully, we can raise enough to bring good instructors to the coast. It will also bring customers in for the vendors so it will be a win-win situation all the way around.
Until tomorrow,
Karen

And I thought it was a quiet day

2008-06-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today was warm on the coast, and I think most people that were wandering around town were probably down at the beach. We had customers, but it was soooo nice outside. We took Rudy out and took some pictures. Somehow I don't think he's thrilled with being a model yet. Is that a happy face or what?

Then we stopped and chatted with our neighbor Jan. More about that tomorrow because I want to make sure the information is correct. Jan is a wonderful neighbor and I dearly love her sense of humor.

Well, I'd been home for a while when Number 15, who's lodged across from where I live, peeled out with sirens blaring. That rarely happens so I stuck my head out to see...all I could see was black smoke. This a home that is catty-corner to me. Fortunately, the owners were not home and the neighbors got the pets out. They're still out there right now (probably Pat is too), she was with Keith when he got the call and he's the medic on duty (they're very good, long time friends).

I'm off to bed now that I know my place is safe. I kept Red and Parker (my dogs) in the car most of the afternoon, I may lose everything I have, but they will be safe.

Until tomorrow,

Karen

Thursday

2008-06-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

What a day, warm and sunny, but the wind had the flags a snappin' and a flappin'. It was a quiet day, but towards the very end, we had a wonderful flurry of vendors and customers. Of course, one of my favorite necklaces (a petrified snail fossil...much prettier than that sounds) walked out the door. The beautiful crab agate necklace is still there for me to enjoy.

Then one of the vendors brought in a gorgeous royal blue juicer. It's such a neat little item which I, who use the kitchen for grooming dogs and artwork, had no idea what it's function was. You put the smushie thing on top and it has holes in the bottom where the juice can flow right into this measuring cup or drinking cup. Gads, I love gadgets.

Then the beautiful blue plate left too, that one was obviously watched. The lady that purchased it knew right where it was and came in on a mission to get it. I'm sure the vendor will be thrilled.

We had a visit from our Irish vendors with their gorgeous granddaughter, they put out lots more beautiful Beleek and ducks, and lighthouse, and and and......

Well, I just got in from mowing a huge lawn, and now need to work on some of the other projects (like my very hairy English Cockers, Red and Parker), so, until tomorrow....
Happy Days
Karen

Great Link

2008-06-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me. It's about an artist that commemorates fallen soldiers through art. http://www.militarytimes.com/hancock
Karen

Tuesday

2008-06-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

It was a slow day, but amazingly, it was a day of Chihuahuas! Rudy was not pleased to meet two other dogs that resembled him. In fact, he was a little miffed that they were all the same color and older than he was.

We had visitors from Fairbanks, Alaska and Waukesha, Wisconsin. Delightful people, I do hope they wander back through. I wanted to live in Fairbanks years ago, but a cute little blonde got the job and I remained where I was at the time. Sometimes we do not get what we want, but we do get what we need.

The corner was being finished as I left. I'll try to remember to bring my camera tomorrow and take pictures. It's gorgeous!

Till tomorrow,
Karen

Sunbreaks!

2008-06-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful afternoon and evening. I didn't have my camera with me, but all the the glass in the windows threw beautiful rainbows everywhere. The shop dog, Rudy, curled up in a patch of sunlight and just dozed, with a big smile on his face.

I don't think I mentioned that we have a bubble machine. We'd like to find more, but did not think they'd be that popular when we got it. Here's a picture taken a couple of weeks ago. There were usually cars going by, but I did not cars in the picture.

More tomorrow,

Karen

Saturday, June 21 (I think)

2008-06-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

I got to man the store today while Pat visited with Kids in Portland (Happy Birthday Sara). Sara is our IT expert and Pat took the computer up for a little tweaking. I guess Alex (Pat's grandson) and Rudy (Shop Dog) got along famously, i.e., toddler drops food, dog eats food, dog follows toddler everywhere.
At the shop, there was a nice steady flow of visitors. Many were in hysterics at the comments made by the "Perfect Man" doll in the shop and I had some small visitors rolling on the floor with the resident "Tickle Me Elmo".
There was a great car show, parade and all sorts of events going on. Lots of fun things to do in the sleepy little town of Waldport. The weather didn't hold up, we had a few sunbreaks but it's drizzle this evening.
See you tomorrow, oh wait, I wanted to share one more picture with you. The Brown Pelicans were migrating through last week and I managed to snag this shot. Is this cool or what? Tomorrow I'll start talking about our Vendors, our foundation and our favorite people.
Karen
Labels: fun, pelican, shorebirds

Summer Solstice

2008-06-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

It's Summer Solstice today, the longest day of the year. It's also Friday and the start of Beachcombers Weekend here in Waldport. Lots of celebrations in our sleepy little town which has been full of excitement anyway. Yesterday, our local, family owned Radio Station announced they're retiring and the Station is up for Sale. Larry has been so encouraging and helpful for the last five years, it will take quite a person to fill those shoes of dedication.

Back to the beginning. When Treasures and More lost their lease, I was devastated. My little framing job had just been starting to take off and this was like the kiss of death. Pat was struggling at the same time with her little shop, Trisha Ann Designs. We were able to combine forces and talents and make of go of this little store. It took well over a full day to come up with the name, but we feel it fits the store and what we're doing. Just like the local Shorebirds, we gather wonderful, sparkly or practical things and spend a lot of time making sure our "flock" has the best of everything we can provide. We hope they enjoy it too.

In the sake of "branding" we came up with a t-shirt. Pat created the Logo and I took it over the edge. Once I figure out how to do it, these T-shirts will be available through a paypal button. If you want one anyway, you can e-mail Shorebirds. We have small through XXL for $16 (plus shipping and handling) and 2X for $18 (plus shipping and handling).

Through the coming weeks, I hope to post lots of other goodies that will be available.

Happy Days,

Karen

WELCOME TO SHOREBIRDS OF WALDPORT, OREGON

2008-06-19T21:24:00.001-07:00

We are a delightful shop, chock-full of an eclectic assortment of goods, ranging from hand-crafted to antiques. We are located right on Highway 101, almost on the corner where Highway 101 and 34 meet. We even have a view of the Alsea Bay. We have three resident Ravens, Marvin, Marvin, and Marvin (or maybe Marvette), who have become lovers of marshmallows (more about that later).

Pat Lohr comes into the business with experience from her little shop called Trisha Ann Designs. She creates fabric art, and beautiful Swaroski Crystal jewelry.

Karen Hendrickson is a framer and Scratchboard Artist with a flair for the humorous.

Shorebirds has booths set up where vendors place their items to be sold. We (Pat and Karen) man the store, rent the booths, do the marketing for the store and maintain the storefront. We're expanding with this blog and will be able to showcase our vendor's wares as well as our own creations.

Items currently in the store range from the humerous, Tickle Me Elmo and Marshmallow Shooters, to the sublime, Imported Italian Tapestry BedSpread, Orchids, and Hummel Figurines.

Our Shop Mascot (inside) is Rudy.

The shop mascots outside are the "Marvins". We can recognize one on sight and figure he's the head bird, he's big, a beautiful black, has tons on panache, and eyebrows. He sets the rules and decides who gets the goodies.

Until tomorrow….Shorebirds LLC, Waldport Oregon, 97394 541.563.5003