There's Something About Wendy

This blog post is dedicated to my friend, Wendy, who lights up any setting in which she may be.  She wears a perpetual smile and makes each person she talks to feel special in a way that is natural, effortless and very endearing.

          (This is not actually Wendy....but she is kinda like this)
I would love for Wendy to be in my life forever because she is so much fun to be around and loved by so many, including me....
But she will most likely be moving away next year to live in a milder place in Canada and while I am happy for her and her hubby, it makes me sad. I think she has had enough of our winters, like most of us. If I didn't have my shop, I would want to move away too.

In life, you rarely come across a person who exudes the kind of warmth, humour and friendship that Wendy gives, let alone be lucky enough to have them as a friend. She has orchestrated dinners out with the girls, had impromptu coffee with me at Chapters, accompanied me to a scary doctor appointment, helped me in so many ways and has shopped in my store many times and brought new people to the store. I can't count how many people she has sent to Tattered Rose over the years...a lot of the time because they admire the Tattered Rose clothing she is wearing.  

Wendy knows what she likes and is very definite about it.  She loves peonies, for example...

Also, she seems to know where to get the best stuff and where the best places to shop, and I have been grateful that she loves my store so much that she tells everyone about it.  Small businesses such as mine need people like her for it is word-of-mouth that brings us the most customers. Wendy is one of those people referred to in the book "The Tipping Point"...you know, the ones who are the centre of something "big" happening.  They share their knowledge with others around them and their opinions are highly respected and trusted. They are the messengers, in a way. 

                                  (This is neither of us.......but we can always dream it is)
Well, my dear Wendy...wherever you are at this moment, I wish you a Happy New Year and want to let you know that you are missed and will be missed greatly when you move away.

Karen and I will see you when you return in the Spring when we go out for one of our dinners!