It is late (early?) and a week to end all weeks.  Tax deadlines are approaching, school has been out all week (equals Finn has had to endure full days with Mommy at the shop), there is a mountain of laundry to be washed and packed before we leave for a weekend trip to Virginia, and end-of-the-month bills and paperwork are upon me.  If March came in like a lamb (and didn’t we love every sunny minute of it?), then this is the lion!  If I was gnashing my teeth and hiding under my covers, it could actually be forgivable.

Except that today, the last whiff of March, was a banner day.  After a dismal stretch of rain, cold, wind and winter’s last hurrah, today the sun came out, the coats came off, the front door swung open to the street and–well, that’s not even the best of it.

Today, my first born little girl turned 11!  She celebrated with donuts for her classroom, a half-day of school, and then a very grownup trip to the salon (On the Fringe–I wholeheartedly recommend them!).  Dinner out (her choice), cake and presents and old family friends.  Next weekend is her “for friends” party–I can’t wait to post a recap.  Our parties have themes and usually request costumes and other foolish acts of our guests, and this year’s theme is one of my favorites!

Also, the shop was featured on Scoutie Girl with a wonderful write up for the new series “best of the bricks!”  Obviously, “brick and mortar” shops hold a special place in my heart–so hop on over and take a look at the article and past features, leave a comment and let Khristian and Tara know if there are any bricks in your town that deserve a shout-out!

So, goodbye winter, march, taxes, laundry, lions, lent…Hello new world, new life, new month, new decade!

From Jan’s post, here is a great pic of the items she brought home in 2009:

Daisy Janie's 2009 HB finds!

1. tinsel time linen teatowel from sara smedley
2. pinecone charm necklace from michabella creations
3. large zippered vegan tote from emily lazo
4. vintage book journal from the fancy lamb
5. tis the season holiday cards from stephanie corfee
6. vintage feedsack tea towels from primrose design
7. happy birthday card from a punkin card company

For more photos of the goods and Jan’s sweet sentiments, please check out her blog.

We’d love to hear what handmade purchases you particularly loved, or what handmade gifts you received over the holidays or the rest of the year?  If they were from HB, we’d appreciate the feedback, and, if they are from elsewhere, we’re always looking for new artists to carry!

(Front) Compendium "Trust Your Crazy Ideas" Anywhere Notebook, $3.95

Shame on me.  I never did take a minute to publicly thank you for such an amazing first season.  From the day our doors opened in September, we have been blessed with a stream of lovely, enthusiastic customers, admirers, and kindred spirits.

I must confess, we didn’t know you were out there.

Opening a shop is a very scary thing to do, even in normal times.  I can’t tell you how many caring individuals shook their heads with worry when we told them of our plans for Hello Bluebird.  Who can blame them?  But, if you have ever known me on a friendly basis, you can vouch that I’ve been known to get a bit headstrong, especially once I’ve decided a dream is hanging in the balance.

Well, so far so good.  I would like to think it is because we have such amazing taste (ha!), but I think it has as much to do with the beautiful artists we feature at the shop, and the kind, responsible companies with whom we prefer to do business.  There is some seriously good karma happenin’ in here!

So, officially this time, THANK YOU.  We could not have made it this far with out such amazing community support, both in the shop and from our internet onlookers.

Now, onto the new season: full of more surprises, more art, more great makers, and more new friends!  Hello, 2010!

(reverse) Compendium "Trust Your Crazy Ideas" Anywhere Notebook, $3.95