Everything begins with gratitude and appreciation in the Zentangle Practice. Gratitude gives us a chance to focus on what we have, rather than what we don't have. Our breath, our paper, our hands, our supplies. This week, as we in the US prepare for Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a tile and a story about someone many of us are grateful for.
Crazy Alan's Emporium is the largest pen retailer in the US, and, lucky for me, located only a mile from my house. I am so grateful for this "artist's candy shop", and for its delightful proprietor, "Crazy" Alan. In his 27-year run, he has provided our community with an abundance of wonderful art and office supplies at a reasonable cost, and if you're a connoisseur of fine fountain pens, he can't be beat. But nothing blooms forever, and Alan has decided to close the store in August 2023. (I can hear former students collectively moaning, "Nooooooooooooo!")
Joni Mitchell warned us: "You don't know what you got till it's gone."
Just this morning, while journaling, my fountain pen ran dry. I got another cartridge, when it hit me. Where am I going to get Pilot cartridges? Sumo pencil lead in .9 mm? Individual colored pencils in the greatest colors? And where, most importantly, will I ever find someone who pulls up YouTube videos of "What's My Line?" or appreciates the old Perry Mason episodes? who doesn't just ring up customers, but has conversations with them? who ribs us and makes us laugh?
Crazy, this tile's for you:
I wanted to laugh and cry at your post! I had never heard of this guy and his pens before, so I'm sad for the loss of his resources but happy that maybe he will be able to find some life beyond his store.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for finding (and intentionally looking for) something new that makes me happy or puts a smile in my heart every day. Sounds corny but I wish more people could find their way to doing it. We all need more joy for the simple things in life.
Thank you for your story and gratitude ...
Oh, Vikki, thanks for sharing! It is sad to lose a locally owned business that is so unique and important. But we'll try to focus on Alan having some fun in retirement! I totally understand your attachment to the Zentangle Method. I try to remember that everyone has their special gift and purpose to find and use in life. So many creative opportunities out there to bring us joy!
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