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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

gratitude...

It is a blessing to have the opportunity to create lovely things for a living.
My "real job" as an interior designer is fulfilling but surprisingly not always as rewarding as some of my smaller projects. I have many requests for special orders in my shop from handmade floral arrangements to shell embellished mirrors to vintage inspired jewelry to my quirky little dresses. But my number one requested items are still custom made wreaths. 
For 20 years I have been filling orders for the amazing people who visit my shop. Just like the wonderful people that enter my shop...no two jobs are ever the same.  

 
I have been running ragged for weeks but when this sweet British lady came into my shop and requested to have wreaths made from the shells she collected here on Sanibel...
how could I possibly say no...?

 
I had to give them a test run on the front doors of my shop before they could be delivered.

 
It warms my heart to make people happy.



 
No matter how crazy the store becomes...or how quickly the magazine deadline is approaching...or how many floor plans need to be reviewed...I love to work in my little shop in the quiet hours of the night filling orders for my very special customers. Sometimes I moan about work loads piling up around me...but as I stand in the workroom in the wee hours of the night with a glue gun in hand I have to be thankful for every single opportunity that I have been given. It's not the size of the job...it's the fact that people continue to cross the threshold of my little shop. God willing, I will continue to fill orders...work in my shop...make pretty dresses...develop design schemes...run the online business...and meet magazine deadlines. There would not be a Surroundings by Melinda with YOU.
 
Thank you for allowing me to be able to do what I do!

16 comments :

  1. It is such a beautiful place to create..and with each creation your spirit soars and fills that sweet shop. You have made it the special place it is with your spirit as much as your talent, you know---xo Diana

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    1. That is such a wonderful note...I can't tell you how much I appreciate your very thoughtful comments!!! Thank you so much for following my little blog. You have such a kind heart.
      Melinda

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  2. Hey Melinda! This post is so YOU. I can't even describe the feeling of being starstruck when I met you two weeks ago in your beautiful shop. I was almost nervous meeting you for the first time, knowing how famous and popular you are. But what a blessing it was to spend a few hours chatting, sharing, and getting to know each other. I told Rog when we left the island to head home that "I want to be just like Melinda when I grow up". :) I am so glad that God blessed me with a new friend - and one with such a beautiful soul. ♥ Love ya, sweetie! And thank you so much for just being YOU!

    xoxo laurie

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    1. Miss Laurie the pleasure is 100% mine! You and Roger are such special people and I am so blessed that you took time out of your vacation to spend time with me. I am better for knowing you and I am so touched by how very kind you are. I can't wait until we can catch up again!!! I just read your post about Sanibel and it is magical. You are very talented and truly creative. I've been enjoying the goodies you left for me. Thanks for everything and I can't wait until our paths cross again. Your sis in Christ...
      Melinda

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  3. Melinda,
    What a joy to see you doing so well on so many fronts! You make WV proud!.
    Best,
    Rita
    PS...stop by & see me on my blog....you'll see a little bit of Almost Heaven when you do. :)
    http://wvpanoply.blogspot.com

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  4. Hi Miss Rita! Thank you so much for the kind words!!! I was very lucky to be able to sneak away to Morgantown Easter weekend to see my family and hear my father preach. It was a wonderful trip but way too short. I hope to get up a few times over the summer. I took a look at your blog and it makes me homesick! I sure miss WV. Thanks for reaching out and I will look forward to your future posts!
    Melinda

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  5. Hello Melinda... I found you through my sweet friend Laurie at Heaven's Walk... so nice to meet you!... I love your shop and am looking forward to browsing your online shop... your style is so beautiful yet comfy and casual... xoxo Julie Marie PS Signed on to follow along on your adventures...

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    1. Hi Julie Marie...what a lovely name! I am so glad to have you here no my little blog. Laurie was so very kind to post such a lovely story! She is as wonderful as I had imagined. Thank you so much for joining me here. Your friendship and support is so greatly appreciated!
      Blessings to you and your,
      Melinda

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  6. Hi, Melinda! I read about you and your wonderful shop over at Laurie's blog and had to come and visit! So nice to meet you! I admire you for pursing something you love and having it become such a success. Dreams do come true! I saw so many lovely things in your shop from Laurie's pictures, so of course I have to visit your online shop...I'm a long way from Sanibel Island! And I'm looking forward to following your blog and soaking up more of your creativity!

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. Hi Miss Jane! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. Laurie is a kind and gracious soul. Thank you for all the kind things you so lovingly shared with me. It has been a long road that has me led me to this day. It is my 20th anniversary of opening my first retail shop. I have learned many lessons, made many friends and have lots of fond memories. I am glad to have a new friend in you!
      I hope you are surrounded by love, peace and joy,
      Melinda

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  7. Hi Melinda! I signed up to follow you and for some reason you dropped off blogger list. Anyway, when Laurie posted about you today I thought- Holy Cow!!! I know that gal! lol Anyway, you are now on my sidebar where I won't miss your posts. I spent many many hours of my youth on Sanibel and used to date the sheriff there!;>) I got to cross the causeway for free~ Hope you had a wonderful season-xo Diana

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    1. I know you too Miss Diana! Thank you for supporting me from the get go! I wish I knew a Sheriff...$6.00 to get back home every time is a stinker! Oh well, the price you pay to live in paradise I suppose! Thank you for your kindness friendship and support!
      Hugs and sunshine from Sanibel,
      Melinda

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  8. Hi Melinda. I just read the most beautiful post on you and your shop by my friend, Laurie of Heaven's Walk. Just wanted to stop by and say hi.

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    1. Hi Miss Rosemary! It's so nice of you to drop a note. We are FB friends and I love to see the things you post on Romantic Homes! So glad to have you here...your support and friendship mean so much to me!!!
      Hugs and happiness,
      Melinda

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  9. I have just visited from Heaven's Walk, you have such a wonderful shop, I only wish there was one like this over in England. I will enjoy 'window shopping' in future. Chel x

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    1. Hello from across the pond! I love the internet...without it I wouldn't know you! I am so honored to have you here on my little page. Your friendship and support means a lot to me. Be well and surround yourself with joy. I wish you many blessings and I'm sending you warm and sunny wishes from Sanibel Island...
      Melinda

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