Finding-Home-Thistlewood-Farms Another Chapel Market is on the books and it was a good one! If you don’t know what Chapel Market is, well, it is a vintage market hosted by a community in Pike Road, Alabama, all of which happens in and around the prettiest chapel you ever did see. Layla, of The Lettered Cottage is the gracious lady who invited myself and KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms to share a booth together. Here was our booth. It was mostly Kari’s stuff as she drove, but I shipped my syrup and a few treasures down. It was my first chance to be face to face sharing our syrup and our story and I was met with gracious open arms. Chapel-Market-Booth-Display This market was much easier and more enjoyable than last year for one simple reason – Kari’s oldest son joined us and HE is the true rock star. Not only did he do all the grunt work getting us set up and taken down in the booth, he also set up an amazing inventory and check-out system that made everything easier. But more so, he was truly one of the most impressive young men I have ever spent time with. Chapel-Market-Booth-Crew_edited-1 I arrived Thursday and I was able to take a tour around the neighborhood with our gracious host, Kathy. This neighborhood is truly like something out of a movie and my tour, of course, occurred in a golf cart. It seems that is a necessary item to live in this neighborhood. I loved it so much I may need to move. Here is a view of the chapel from the lake just waiting for us all to fill it the next day. The-Chapel-at-Pike-Road_edited-1 One of my favorite parts is seeing how the space transforms. Each vendor is offering similar products, but yet each offering and booth is so different and still compliments the others. This is what the chapel looked like as we were all beginning to set up. The-Chapel-Before Selling my syrup was a great experience and such good company to do it in. But, truly, the best part about Chapel Market is the people. Seriously, the southern hospitality lives up to its hype. I was treated with such kindness and generosity the entire weekend. Of course, it all starts with the lovely Layla. She is just as amazing as you think she will be. The-Lettered-Cottage-Chapel-Market_edited-1 People from the community and surrounding areas showed us such kindness in bringing us meals, snacks and drinks. I am not talking about something simple, I am talking about full-on spreads. I can not leave out these cuties who were selling cocoa and coffee. Not pictured is their handsome partner who was busy running about inviting everyone for cocoa in his outfit straight out a Crew Cuts catalog. Hot-Cocoa-Chapel-Market_edited-1 You may have read about the “ladies” before. I wish I had gotten a picture of all of them, but everyone was so busy in different spaces. Jenny and Kathy are not only great friends but they are sisters-in-law as well. Kathy and her husband invited us into their home for three nights, helped me with transportation to and from the airport and provided and planned our meals. All that, and she had only met me on two occasions! That is true southern hospitality. Sometimes you just meet people and they get right into your heart. That is definitely the case with these ladies and I am so thankful that they have. They are truly a blessing. The-sweetest-ladies-Chaple-Market_edited-2 This adorable lady made my whole day. She is a reader who came to our booth and was so incredibly sweet to me. Pardon the over-smiling I am doing but she was just too kind! Chapel-Market-Booth_edited-1 There was never a moment that was not filled entertainment as my days were filled with these two. Not only was a joy to meet Kari’s son, but to see them together was priceless. Thistlewood-Farms-Chapel-Market_edited-1 When it gets right down to it, I really don’t like leaving home. I like to stay put with my family. But, I know it is so good for me. My favorite time of the whole weekend was the evening conversations. Meeting new people, getting to know others better. Morning-Fog It also didn't hurt that I woke up each morning to this view outside of my beautiful view. Does it get any better than that? Morning-Sunshine-Alabama And just when you think it can’t get any better, the sun rose a little more and lit up the moss in the trees. Moss-in-the-trees Truly, southern hospitality at its best. P.S. Are you planning on displaying some hospitality this holiday season? If you missed my Joss & Main sale, no worries! The lovely Yvonne of Stonegable is hosting a new one this week. Stop by! Newpostsignature_thumb.jpg
October 30, 2014 — Laura Putnam