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January Gratefulness

A list of gratitude, compiled by Michelle Christian

Happy New Year! Wow, 2020 was a doozy wasn’t it?!!!!!

I trust that we are all ready to start this New Year, but as we look forward, it is important for us to look back at 2020 with a grateful heart for all of our blessings, and to recognize what the hardships taught us. Our humble shop survived, all because of the support of our vendors and this wonderful, giving community! We are grateful that we were able to stay open, and we look ahead to 2021 with grateful hearts.

So, what are YOU grateful for?? We asked our beautiful vendors to share what they are grateful for!

“I am grateful for human resilience and kindness. The light inside us shines bright when we open our doors.”

Tabitha Viner, #WS225

“The most important thing in the world that I’m grateful for is FAMILY and FRIENDS! Without them, the world would definitely be a sad place. With that being said, I’m grateful that 2020 is almost over!”

Gail Rosenberg, WS243

“Health, wellness, nature nearby, and the hope of a better tomorrow!”

Mariko Greaves, Booth #601

“I am grateful that so many people love costumes! By having this booth, I’ve met new friends and been able to share the remarkable work of the artisans in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Costume Department. Knowing that these pieces are going on to be treasured and utilized by their new owners makes me reflect on the ripple effect that our actions have, and how an act of creation never really ends.”

Heather DeBey booth #636

“I am so grateful for my loving family and friends. And all the great animals that have been in my life! They all mean the world to me! I’m a very lucky girl”

Debbie Winmill. C-11

“I am most grateful for the amazing students at Ashland Middle School who have stepped up to the challenges of distance learning! They are responsible, resourceful and wonderfully mature in their willingness to connect and communicate.”

Laura #49

“2020 has been a challenging year! I am thankful that my son and his precious family are alive and well even though his home in Phoenix burned to the ground like so many others. Sad, but so grateful!”

Illis! V#530

“As I welcome a new year, I have to say the pandemic, and then the fire, has strengthened my commitment to community. I am so grateful that our neighborhood in Talent was saved from the fire by 4 brave residents who stayed and kept our houses from burning. There has been an outpouring of support for those dealing with great loss and my Talent neighbors have interacted more and helped each other to a much greater extent than ever before. It is true…. out of the ashes Talent is rebuilding, more resilient and stronger. I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support for fire relief and a desire to be a better community.”

Michal Schaffer, Global Visions #312

“In spite of everything 2020 threw at us, starting in 2021, I get to quit my day job and begin running my home business full-time!”

Bethany Lang, Aurora Beauty and Skincare, LLC, Booth: ws206

“I’m thankful for my oneness with God.

I’m thankful for my sobriety

I’m thankful for being able to breathe.

I’m thankful for shelter and food.

And I’m thankful for AAE, all the staff,

And for the never ending kindness they have shown me.

P.S. our home survived the fires

And last but not least, the love and companionship of my husband!”

Leslee Freeman, Booth 500

“Blessed Love! “In the darkness we are blessed to see the stars” I’m giving appreciation for Love and Hope which is always stirring in my heart. As I see things that are so sticky and uneasy within each issue the glory and strength are abundant in so many people! With loss there has been the largest Marches of togetherness in History. Good will conquer! Safety, Health, and Love to All!”

Selah

Naphtali Riley

Tali Threads, Booth #498

“2020 has been a challenge. What comes to mind is how grateful we are to be part of Ashland Emporium that provides a friendly, well-managed, clean and safe environment for us.

Thank you”

Amanda & Helen #1291, SisterSisters

“We’re grateful to have access to so many beautiful natural spaces, here in Ashland and around the state. Nature has definitely helped us get through this crazy year.”

The Wandering Bard, #Ws74

“I am grateful to God every day for being able to spend time with friends and family.”

Michelle Tamashiro

Booths #564 and #612

“Grateful for our sweet neighborhood still standing where the children have caroled us three different nights already!”

Scott Blair, Booth 159

“2020! I didn’t have many solid expectations for the year, but those few expectations that I did have just dissipated right in front of me. I made a new path, I’m succeeding, and I’m having a good time!”

Sarah, #WS241

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Ashland Artisan Emporium

The Ashland Artisan Emporium is owned by Michelle Christian, wife and mother of 3 daughters. Her husband, Travis, is the business manager for Adroit Construction in Ashland, Oregon. The Emporium was the vision of Michael Rydbom, Michelle's father. In April of 2010, Michael asked his daughter if she would be willing to help transform the old DJ's Video space into a crafter's marketplace. Michelle had always admired her dad's entrepreneurial spirit and was eager to make him proud, so even though she already had two kids, a real estate career and one more daughter on the way, she said yes. On November 1, 2010, the store opened it's doors to a welcome reception from the community. They were voted Best New Business of 2010 only months later by the Ashland Sneak Preview. Within weeks of opening, the store was at capacity and had quickly become the "go-to" store for all things unique and affordable.

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