— by Dr. Rosie Kuhn —
Susan Osborn regales visitors at the pop-up shop on North Beach Road
Six weeks ago, the kayak shop on North Beach Road shared an idea with a couple of artisans: Perhaps they would like to take over the kayak store for the holiday season, as a boutique, seeing that virtually no one was adventuring out on kayak tours this time of year.
“Why not!” Was the response from Ginny Lu Wood and Carol Anderson, and the Kayak Boutique pop-up shop was born. Upon entering into this anomaly of a store – kayaks hanging from the ceiling and original jewelry and accessories for home and body adorning the walls, I experience wonder – how did all of this come about in the twinkle of an eye?
Ginny Lu, sitting behind the counter, sharing a thought for the day from The Daily Word, is a wonder-full being in herself. Her heartfelt presence holds space for the ongoings of this menagerie of minute events.
Susan and Carol sit at a small table, originally meant to display their work, but they came to find that it’s a perfect place to create, while kibitzing about the latest unfolding on our little Island. Not gossip, by any stretch of the imagination. These women are loving, kind beings, and this is palpable the moment you walk into the shop.
The resonance of love, joy and magic abound in this overcrowded yet spacious little store. People are either drawn to the ineffable quality of being, which they experience while still outside the door, or the passersby are unaware of the magic that is happening within feet of where they are standing. It’s rather like the train station, Platform 9 ½, in the Harry Potter Series. It’s there; but, unless you are ready and open, that porthole is invisible.
There isn’t even a whisper of malice or attack within these four walls. What there is, is love. That love is the essence of every creation, and the essence of every word shared among the three women and the people who walk in, oblivious to the fact that their lives are about to be touched by angels.
Sometimes, Susan will break out in song, Carol will fall on the floor in deep, reverent laughter, and you’d swear, when you leave that you have just been to church, you feel that good. What resides in this space is love. And love heals all. The generosity of spirit is pure. The gifts of presence to every individual, the recognition of the love that resides in all of us, is sparked – just by stepping across the threshold.
These three women are very clear that the creation of this boutique was not of their doing, but a Divine request of them to show up here, now, for however long, until it’s time to close up. They are as amazed with wonder as any of us, and stay present to what is called for, only this moment.
I visit the shop every day, and sit for a while, sometimes engaging in conversation, and sometimes just witnessing what I’ve never witnessed before in any retail space. “Welcome! Come, and let us enjoy your presence.” Perhaps it’s part and parcel to small Island living, but this is so much more than that.
Okay, so I’ll just come out and say it: They are giving away love, for free, for no reason – just because! Sure, it is a retail store, and yes, if you discover that special, OMG something for someone or for yourself, well, that’s the icing on the cake. But these three women are love, they are not doing love, and there is no greater joy on earth than to be a participant in the love that is given and received, all within an instant. This is definitely a different form of retail therapy.
I share this experience with you in hopes that you too might be refreshed and renewed and delighted by love’s presence in all the little nook-and-cranny pop-up shops. I wish for us all the innocence of wonder that resides everywhere always, for in this state of being, miracles of love abound and never go unnoticed.
Dr. Rosie Kuhn is a personal and corporate coach and the author of Self-Empowerment 101; The Unholy Path of a Reluctant Adventurer; and You Know You’re Transforming When…..
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Entering the shop, which I pretty much do daily, feels like being welcomed into Carol’s, Susan’s and Ginny Lu’s living room, and is, indeed, an utterly delightful experience! Plus I have yet to come away without having found some treasure that is unique, beautiful and priced to fit my wallet!
When I experienced Orcas Original’s.(OO’s), as their first customer on opening day, I felt as if I had been wanded by the Good Witch. I know these lady marvels as friends; and have been nurtured by them since we first met. They fluff your aura, soothe your soul, tickle your fancy;— your to-do list, your furrowed brow….just…disappear. There you sit, beguiled by the music, the awareness, the presence felt there, which they give to each moment,and the warmth of the welcome. I go there every day I am able, as I am afraid that one day it will have disappeared, as in the Scots legend “Brigadoon”..gone, maybe to return again in 100 years.
A week ago, the trio (and Jeff, the man who stands, eyes sparkling, just digging it) had an open house. The news spread by email, facebook, Orcas Issues, and street drums. Arriving, I saw Sharon Abreu, her violin and voice leading Christmas Carols…Susan Osborn’s clear as a bell voice lighting up the harmony, and Mary Myers’ faultlessly flying fingers at the piano. The store was full of strange and wonderful creatures, reminiscent of the bar scene in Star Wars, but in beautiful ways: women with sparkle dots on foreheads, cheeks, noses…cider in hand, singing, swaying, dancing. The men, not to be left out, picked up ukelele, guitars, whatever, and their voices let out wondrous sound…a quartet, which became a quintet with changeable parts —lovely music winding its way through the open doors. Young and old, the meld was serendipitous; spontaneity was the rule. You should have heard the resounding voices : FIVE GOLDEN RINGS—much more fun to sing the partridge pear tree song than to listen to it!
The street outside was quiet, but any wandering folks were drawn in by the music, and soon blended , the spirit quickly penetrating any shyness.
MAGIC. Not a big enough noun for what happened that night. Yes, magical,and joyous, but most of all it was a reverent moment on the blue marble. I’m almost afraid to talk about it, for fear I will discover it was a sweet lilting dream.
You shoulda been there.
Magic. Go to OO’s. See for yourself. Betcha you can’t go just once….
Merry Christmas, and I wish for each of you a cupful of the love and magic of that night.