All The Things

Many apologies. I’m too sick to work in the shop today. 🤮 Maybe I’ll feel better later and we’ll open and/or can get my eldest to do it. Thank you for understanding.

Successfully fought the ADHD urge this morning and made it to work on time. Thus, I decided to give myself an ‘Adulting Award’.

Behind the scenes. Here’s a quick peek at our upstairs bathroom. (It’s been undergoing renos for over three years now…Maybe one day we’ll finish.) Thought you might like to see some of the ways we’re rethinking/repurposing things up here. What sorts of things do you do? Mentioned in this video sink from Kemptville Restore Cupboard from Too Good to Be New (Paint and flooring from Home Hardware in Smith Falls. )

Merrickville Moose 🫎 Recently there was a moose trapped in the locks here in Merrickville. I made this video to show people a little bit more of what our locks look like and where the moose was trapped.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to go see it for myself because I had to be in the shop and it was the last MerrickvilleArtWalk of the season so I couldn’t go.

Watch to the end to see some pictures sent to me taken by Heddy Sorour along with some moose themed offerings we have in the shop from the following 🇨🇦 makers:
-Metal moose display piece, bookend & ‘antlers’ (seen in the background) by Bear Hill Studio
-DIY Felted moose kit by The General Bean
-DIY Moose with a hockey stick by Genius Premium Craft Boxes
-Paint by Layers Shadow Box kit by Our Little Makery 🇨🇦
-Greeting Card by carolyndraws | Cards for Real Life
-Pewter ‘Heads or Tails’ coin by Basic Spirit
-Handmade Pottey mug by Susan Robertson pottery

I have also included a news clip in the reel from CBC News. CBC News CBC Ottawa News

The following is copied from
The Ontario Provincial Police - Eastern Region Facebook post. OPP East Region

“Moose on the Move!
A stranded moose is safely back on solid ground thanks to a coordinated effort OPPSAVE, Grenville OPP, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Canada, Merrickville Fire Department and Municipal Bylaw Services.

On the morning of September 24, 2026, concerned community members reported a moose trapped at the top of the Merrickville Locks. Working together, responders developed a calm and controlled plan to safely guide the animal to freedom by gradually draining the lock system one step at a time.

Thanks to teamwork, patience, and the quick actions of everyone involved, the moose safely made its way out of the locks and back into its natural habitat.

A special thank you to the residents of Merrickville for their support, cooperation and encouragement throughout the rescue. Your concern for the animal and willingness to assist helped make this successful outcome possible.

A great example of community members and partner agencies working together to protect Ontario’s wildlife.

Wednesdays I am ‘Open By Chance’. It’s a flex day to accommodate my energy levels. (I’ve been struggling with some health challenges.)
Yesterday I was working outside doing a lot of physical things for a long period of time. I was excited for the 1st day of fall and was really enjoying being out of the house.
Unfortunately, I neglected to pace myself/ take breaks. As a result, I was out of energy and useless today.
I could have pushed myself and forced myself to open the store or dragged on in an effort to ‘be productive’. If I did that I’d burn myself out and then I might not be able to keep going.
For example, tomorrow is the last MerrickvilleArtWalk of the season and I definitely want to be in good shape for it. Furthermore, I will also need enough energy to carry me through to what will most likely be a busy weekend.
When you are essentially a staff of one, you can only do so much and you need to make tough decisions. I appreciate your understanding and business and would like to remind you that we are also open by appointment.

I want to wrap up by tagging the following people who commented on a previous video (or reached out) to show their concern and support. I apologize that I haven’t had the spoons yet to comment back.
Fiona Macintyre Design Monica & Cristiana | Newmarket 🇨🇦 Liane Dubreuil Wendy German Christina The Laundry Room Shop - Laser Engraving and Personalized Gifts Becky Found & Foraged | Kemptville Doodle Paw Press Brenda / ForgetBknot/ Handmade Forever Flowers ms.zen 🙂🌸💜 K Rob The Cozy Cottage Gift Shop Linda Mackay dreaming_heart_art Julie Hindle-Jolicoeur Lori Dalton Elizabeth Wise
I also apologize if I have forgotten anyone here. (If you sent me a PM, I’m hoping I at least replied.)

I’m only allowed so many tags, so I put some special thank you shout outs in the comments.

Maureen McAuliff Lisa McShane - thread artist

Happy Fall Y’All! I spent the first day of Autumn in my backyard working on organizing my ‘Yellow House’. This is my favourite time of year and I was so glad to be outside. Bug smoker referenced in video made by V&S Custom Metalwork Inc.

Finally got around to finish editing this reel from back in August. Lavender is very calming when you have had a stressful day. I like to take advantage of the fact that we carry dried lavender bundles, lavender sachets and Hydrosol (flower water) spray from Lavender Mills Farm | Lavender & Specialty Pumpkins in nearby Oxford Mills. Formerly known as Kirk Farm, they are the hosts of Soiree in the Field and the upcoming event ‘She Creates’ on September 20th. If you go, you can hear my friend Mariana’s band Jill and The Joneses play. They’re awesome!👏 😎 🎶

Forget B Knot restock and a few new things. Mentioned in this video: Brenda / ForgetBknot/ Handmade Forever Flowers Floral Creations, Basic Spirit pewter ‘Strength’ coins, Kiss The Paper | Olga Luehmann letterpress greeting card. Check out www.screen4cancer.ca/breastscreening to find out how you can get checked. **kcancer🎗️