Tag Archives: reflection

Hardware Store Life

S’agapo

Leave a comment

These are the Greek words for “I love you”- S’agapo…

💝February might be the season of love, but to those people who model & live this way each and every day, it is beautiful to witness.

Richard and I were honored with the presence of one such person, Harry Galifanakis. He exemplified these words… S’agapo.

Harry loved life, each and every day. Harry was a dear husband to his sweet wife, a great family man, and cared deeply for his surrounding community. We all miss his love.

Harry spent a lot of time with us at Wilkes County Hardware. He was our resident advisor, & he greeted all of our customers with a smile. Harry would sit and talk with those who would take time to sit down with him while he rocked in his chair. He loved conversations, people, and in general terms, living a simple life.

Harry gave us love each and every day. I know in my heart in the first year of ownership of Wilkes County Hardware, he gave Richard confidence to keep going, pressing on to do what needed to be done, changing the layout of the store, & adjusting to running a small business. Harry was one of our biggest supporters and we are eternally grateful for his love and friendship.

In the second and third years of ownership, he became an honorary family member. He was never far from our minds or hearts. Richard & I worried if he was sick, wished him safe travels while off visiting family, and couldn’t wait to hear his stories upon his joyous return. Harry always called us if we were on a trip, away from the store to just to say “hello”& to make sure we were happy, eating well and of course, having fun! 😎

Throughout the last few years, Harry shared many stories about his Greek heritage, & the rich love he had his family… it just exuded from him. He loved his family, nothing made him more happy than his family. Harry always loved to throw out Greek phrases as he spoke about his family.

Over time, Harry began to even teach Richard some of those phrases… the first one he taught him was S’agapo. Harry said to him, “this is what you tell your wife everyday”. Harry loved to see Richard try his new Greek speaking skills out on me as I entered the store. It was sweet and precious on many levels.

We all spent many days laughing with Harry and please know that your loving kindness and friendship will always be central in our hearts.

S’agapo Harry❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hardware Store Life

Thanksgiving Blessings and Memories…

Leave a comment

Most of the leaves are gone off the trees now here in Wilkes. You can still spot a few beautiful trees along your daily path like this lovely one in the photo today. The “season of sticks” is now upon us! Thanksgiving week is coming up next week which brings me to reflect upon the many blessings we have been given. In reflection, I used to hate this time of year after the leaves 🍁 🍁🍁🍁fall because of the barren look of the trees. This year, I’m reframing my vision to call it the “season of sticks”. Who did not love walking in the woods as a kid picking up and finding the best walking stick?

I’m also blessed with many special family and friends who are an essential part of my life. We are truly blessed to be a part of a great community here in Wilkes County and are so happy to be of service to our customers everyday. Thank you for your continued support of our store. Richard & I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving.

Many great Thanksgiving memories are coming to mind…. Raking leaves 🍁 on Thanksgiving before the big meal, Benjamin’s always used to ask Dad to ride on the golf cart & to go hunt for turkeys before Thanksgiving😂. My Dad always humored him & they rode through the neighborhood, checking the wooded areas carefully for any signs of “native wildlife”. Benjamin is growing up too quickly & that tradition is long gone but the memories are long lasting.

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 to you & your family from Wilkes County Hardware ! Enjoy making some new Thanksgiving memories this year 😊.

.

.

#WilkesCountyHardware #thehardwarelife #thehardwarelifeisagoodlife #thankful #blessedlife #thanksforshoppingwithus #thanksgiving #thanksgivingmemories #thanksgiving2018 #thankyou #vintagehardware #historichardware #wilkescounty #wilcolife #wilkescountync #wilkes #november #hometownhardware #wedooldschool #localplacesarethebestplaces #shoplocal #shopsmall #shopwithus #shoppinglocaladvantage #downtownnorthwilkesboro #ShopsonTenth #memoriesmade #readytohelpyou #sittingbythewoodstove #ourcustomersareawesome #smalltowncharm #downtownnorthwilkesboro

Hardware Store Life

15

Leave a comment

Our lives changed dramatically 15 years ago. Our son came into the world 🌎 and Richard & I were transformed into parents overnight. We haven’t looked back ever since, his presence in our lives has been our greatest blessing.

As he begins another year, I am amazed to see how much change has occurred in the last few years… I am also drawn to reflect on how on earth did we get here??? Seriously, time does fly by!!!

The physical changes are ongoing. This young man is now his mom’s height… and truth be told, he will probably surpass me and head towards 6 feet sooner than later 😳. Those of you with teenage boys know how much food they inhale.., and of course we have gone through at least three buying sprees of clothing so far this year— in order to keep up with the growth process.

I can still remember the sweet little guy who sat on the bench out front of the hardware store and smiled for a first photo. Fast forward to Summer 2018, he made keys 🔑 with Wayne, helped customers in the store, and even helped his dad get some of the local neighborhood pools open for the season.

I am sure that more changes will come for our big 15 year old in the next year, and we will continue to face them as a family. We love you dearly big guy!!! 💕

Family is central to our everything isn’t it? Come to think of it… This is very similar to how we approach our business ownership, we make decisions as co-owners, working together for a common goal- serving our local community. The essence of #thehardwarelife 😉

Happy Birthday!!! 🎂

retreat

Retreat- “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” – John Muir

Leave a comment

Retreat: time spent away from one’s normal life for the purpose of reconnecting, finding quiet time, or even escaping the distractions of daily routines.

Retreat maybe often used in the context of a spiritual experience. As I grow older, I am seeking more “retreat ” experiences in my daily life. These can be just the small things that I am doing everyday like walking with a good friend, coffee with friends, or seeking the sun porch quietness at my parents house. I appreciate the opportunities to “reconnect” to nature, family, or friends for a few minutes each day.

Even when I am working at Wilkes County Hardware, I will often retreat to the rocking chair area when I need a moment to reflect on the project I am working on in order to gain inspiration or a bit of renewal of spiritual energy to continue moving forward.

Often the quiet times of “retreat” brings about reflections, insights and new direction for the future. After retreat, a new vision or clarity can emerge. This is not only great for refreshing your mind but great for the entrepreneur spirit as well.

I’m grateful for my retreat community/”woods”. These beautiful people and places keep me refreshed, inspired and ready to move towards the new day ahead. Ah, the rest I seek… and need!!!

Can you quickly identify the “retreat” places or people in your life? Is it local destinations in your hometown, a park, church , or even somewhere in your home?

I would bet upon reflection, you maybe also be very grateful for the opportunity to go to the “woods”/community and find rest.