If Only » Martha’s Diary

Lovin’ My Flowers

martha — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:00:05 +0000

Now as the heads of flowers inch skyward, I’m seeing Lupine and even Foxglove color up all around me. The pink of Lupine reminds me of cotton candy and bubblegum, and the white Foxglove is as yummy as old fashioned homemade whipped cream. Come by and help me admire the flowers. The haning baskets are regal enough for a queen with their deep blue-velvety colors interspersed with a splash of yellow or red. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy summer and flowers and interacting with staff as they water each day. I also love it when folks come by to get their photo taken with me. So if you haven’t strolled along with river in awhile or taken time to look at all the lovely flowers throughout downtown, it’s time to get out and flatfoot it!

Whoopin’ it Up Downtown

martha — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:55:31 +0000

20 June 2010 Happy Solstice Everyone! We don’t let a little rain dampen our spirits on this, the longest day of light. Solstice is actually tomorrow, but the Midnight Sun Festival is going strong downtown today. Lots of great music, great food, educational booths, fun rides, and much, much more. I’m thrilled that people came from as far away as Vermont today to see me! And, I’ve been serenaded by the Greatland Sounds, don’t ‘cha know. The hot dog man is serving up some mean kielbasa right across Cushman. We’re livin’ right today!

Abuzz

martha — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:28:37 +0000

2 June 2010 The cyclical in nature surrounds me. This looks to be another year of bees and wasps and a whole array of flying stings. Watch out, and keep a newspaper handy for swatting! My flowers are planted and coming into their summer glory. Bees will love their sweet nectar as they buzz about. Make sure you notice them as you pass by or come in the store.

Inside the store we’re abuzz with new summer selections. We have great new baby bags, a huge order of Asian dishes being put out as I write this, statuary for your patio, and many more new items. Come on by and see what’s new!

Dreaming of Flowers

martha — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:04:24 +0000

8 May 2010 Today is Clean Up Day, and I’m dreaming of flowers. I just love it when I’m surrounded by Foxglove and Lupine, and yes, those faces of pansies and violas looking up at me like inquiring kittens. Right now, all I see is bare dirt in the flower beds; we’re warming up slowly to the sun while I tick off the days on the calendar to planting time in Fairbanks. It’s the waiting game…that’s why I was overjoyed when I received this photo of azaleas via e-mail. The azaleas are on the Furman University campus in Greeville, South Carolina. Seeing all this pink and white reminds me of how showy flowers can be and how much we gain by stopping awhile to take in all the sights and smells.

Inside the store, we have products which will delight your senses. Colorful watering cans and garden tools to dainty clear glass bird votive holders to coveted Vera Bradley umbrellas. It takes a while to let it all sink in, so come by and browse. Remember, we’re open now on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. It’s a great time to stretch and relax and enjoy a terrific shopping experience.

Buddy Up

martha — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:04:34 +0000

4 April 2010 I had a great evening on Friday during the Vera Bradley Gold Party. The colorful cupcakes catered by the UAF Culinary Program Student Group were adorned with darling little purses of chocolate. Yummy in my tummy-those purses weren’t just a clutch. What a buzz! Thanks to all of you who brought your gently used handbags and accessories for our annual donation to the Fairbanks Job Center. We’ve already donated nearly 50 pieces and have several more in process. What a great partnership-you, our wonderful customers, and the women who so deserve a special pick-me-up as they head out to a new job.

And speaking of partnerships, I want you to see my favorite furry buddy. He doesn’t come out into the shop much, but he’s around to keep me company when folks aren’t looking. He’s real cute, don’t you think? Occasionally I receive e-mails from customers who have photographed their dogs with me. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, snap a pic and send it to me!

Among Champions

martha — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:40:42 +0000

26 March 2010 Well, I’ll be dogged! I sure enjoyed that freight pull last Saturday down at Big Ray’s parking lot. Missed the Open North American and all those dogs yipping on Second Avenue, but maybe there will be more snow next winter. I heard those sprint racers were awesome out at the musher’s hall, though. And now the Iditarod is over for another year and Lance Mackey sure showed us what it takes. Congratulations to all the racers and their teams this mushing season.

And just as champions abound in the mushing world, there are items galore inside the store that will set you thinking creatively. Our staff is ready to assist you to be a champion of gift giving and home decor. Everyone likes being remembered with a special and meaningful gift.

Spring Fling

martha — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:12:52 +0000

25 February 2010 I’m tickled pink over this year’s Yukon Quest. You all know Hans Gatt broke the record and finished the race in just 9 days and 26 minutes. Odd thing is, what were the chances that two other mushers would also break the finish record? And what about a 1,000 mile race and only 2 teams stratching? I’d say we’re surrounded by athletes that rate right up there with Olympians. And by golly, I like doing it the Alaskan way! I’ve been rootin’ for that young man from Fort Yukon, Josh Cadzow, for years. Congrats on receiving the Rookie Award– keep up the good work!

Keep that snow a-coming down. We need it for the Open North American which is just a few weeks away. And while we’re waiting for that and more outside fun, we’ve been busy as beavers inside the store getting gussied up for spring. You’ll need to come by to see what the staff put out this week-new scarves that appeal to your arty side, books, stuffed animals, bright new bath fizzies (I’m about ready for a bath this time of year), handbags, and lots more. Come on by–it’s a party!

Some Fast Race

martha — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:59:11 +0000

10 February 2010 Whew! Can you imagine driving a dog team almost 400 miles in three days? That is some fast driving! I’m dancing with glee that no one has scratched yet, and even though some teams have dropped dogs, it’s on toward the next check point for all 24 teams. I understand Steer and Mackey have broken some distance records on this trail already. It’s anyone’s guess how soon the winner will be in Whitehorse. It can be pretty fast sledding in the flat places. Hold onto those dogs and keep your hat on!Keep tuning in, as I do, to the updates on KUAC and check the Yukon Quest website for the latest information.

Mush On!

martha — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:32:35 +0000

5 February 2010 Tomorrow is the start of the Yukon Quest! Don’t miss joining me downtown to wish the mushers well as they begin their long journey. As you can see by the photo on my photo page, we had more snow for this race two years ago when it last started here in Fairbanks. I’m pleased as punch that one of our own drew Number One out of the chute. Go Abbie–you can do it! Lead those teams right out of Fairbanks and over Eagle Summit! I’m rootin’ for you all the way. Let’s give all the teams a great send-off tomorrow morning and keep tuned in to Quest updates on KUAC and the Quest website.

Looking Forward

martha — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:56:30 +0000

19 January 2010 January’s a bleak month to stand out here on the sidewalk. It’s cold. It’s dark. Hard to be positive, even though I try. Ravens fly by, land on lamposts-they make me smile with their antics and their puffed feathers. The postman, the UPS guy and the Fed Ex man all make me smile as they deliver boxes to the store. Some of those boxes will spill spring colors out into the street, and I’ll know that soon my world will be warmer and brighter. All you need to do is come on by the store for a good dose of spring. It will cure the winter blues!