It has been awhile since I blogged. Life moved at a quick pace for a while, not giving me a chance to take a breath and contemplate the bigger picture. Pole Hill began to build a presence in the community and we enjoyed watching and helping it grow.
Then in the literal blink of an eye the world tipped on its axis and seemingly spilled all of humanity into a heap of anxiety, despair and uncertainty. It all seems to be too much. A pandemic. Civil unrest. Political chaos. Poverty. Hunger. Unemployment. Disease. Death. Are we living in the USA? How can things have gone so far downhill in a few short months? Yet we’ve been lucky. I continue to work at both my main gig as a lawyer (where unbelievably business is brisk and I remain busy) and also as the supporting owner of Pole Hill Provisions. Pole Hill has taken some serious hits – mainly after getting shut down just as we planned on re-opening after our winter hiatus – but also trying now to find product and rebuild in a world where people aren’t ready to shop. That said, Pole Hill is lucky too. We continue to create, work at adapting and thank God we pay no rent for our little shop in the barn! I think flexibility and adaptability is the number one key to survival in this crazy world. I admire the way businesses have creatively begun to rebuild. Outside dining, outdoor fitness classes, plexi-glass protections, online church services – all brilliant and necessary! I watch (holding my breath) as my daughter’s school stands poised to reopen with both and in-person and on-line components. And we all are rooting for our favorite sports teams to climb back to the game using technology, bubbles and a whole lot of prayers and finger crossing! Think how life would be so much less bearable if we were going through all these events without the aid of technology. Zoom, Teams, Skype, On-line portals, cell phone contact tracing and our good friends YouTube and Netflix have sped our recovery and made life a little brighter. I now see that it is possible (not preferable but possible) to continue managing this weird new world for a while. The new normal is in fact becoming … normal. That said, I think I like the old normal better! Here’s wishing you all our best wishes, support and props as we swim our way upstream. In the words of a very wise fish: “Just keep swimming!”
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The snow is still on the ground, but this week, it seems like we have taken a turn. The days are longer (at least in the evening), it’s a bit warmer and the fact that Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner has got to mean something, right? As I got out of my car today, I even heard the birds singing in the nearby bushes. In early spring I inevitably jump the gun and want to plant flowers and open the pool and plan bar-be-ques. Then I get upset when we get those last couple of snow storms that predictably surprise us at this time of year. But even with the possibility of snow, there are some projects we can be working on to celebrate the infancy of spring: Get out your Easter décor if you celebrate. If not, get out your other spring décor (first take down your Christmas decorations of course! HA!). We all have the bunnies and baskets and flowered wreaths that make us smile. Let’s start smiling NOW! Start your seedlings indoors. March is the perfect month to start seedlings for your early crops. Lettuce, peas, broccoli, onions and kale will all be able to be transferred into the ground in a few weeks. Seedlings are economical and fun! Gather the kids, a few egg cartons, some dirt and seeds. What could go wrong?!? (Yes, keep the hose or sink and soap close by!) We are contemplating building a greenhouse for our seedlings. Think we should? Feed the birds! Birds are starting to make their way back to us in the Northeast. Set up a proper home for them with a new birdhouse and some feed to help get them settled. Check out our new upcycled feeders for a change of pace! Take a walk. As the snow and ice melts, it is easier to get back out there and taking a walk near nature is sure to bring a smile to your face as you see the first hints of the season. Most towns have conservation trails like this one - Bower Springs - in Bolton – check them out! Do some spring cleaning. PHP is scrambling with our spring cleaning as we commit to reopening on Saturday, March 16th. Think of spring cleaning as a time saver for the summer. If your ducks are in a row, you will get to play even more when the summer approaches! But of course, the biggest rite of spring this year is to head back to Pole Hill Provisions and see what we have been up to for the last couple of months! New treasures, new product lines and a continued evolution of our signature vibe await you. Check us out!
As you may know the Pole Hill Provisions brick and mortar store is closed for January and February as we bring in new product lines, make improvements and tidy up. Aren’t we all focused on tidying up in January? Every year I start the year saying that THIS will be the year that my home will be perfect and I will be well organized. Of course that never happens. But I still find my self drawn to KonMarie and watching episodes of Tidying Up on Netflix. If you’ve lived under a rock for the past several years (or you’re my husband), you might not know what KonMarie is. Marie Kondo is a Japanese organization guru. She challenges you to put every scrap of clothing on your bed and go through the pieces one by one and asking yourself of each piece “Does it spark joy in me”? If not, out it goes. Her goal is to create a peaceful, minimalist, joyful home. I don’t think she has a dirty goldendoodle, but in any event, it sounds like a wonderful existence if you can get there. Which I can’t. But the concept of sparking joy is not without merit. As I put away the Christmas decorations, I do ask myself if I should keep or let go of certain things. If I can get everything into one less box, I’ll be ahead of the game. And sparking joy doesn’t have to only apply to letting things go. Certain additions to your home can spark joy. As you know, we make hand painted pillows at PHP. Over this “break” I have made a few for myself. We have a house in Vermont which now has pillows marking our favorite ski areas nearby. I made another to remind me of my favorite vacation spot. When I see the pillows, I can say that they spark joy in me. They remind me of good times and special events. These good times are the glue that keep me balanced and happy and get me though the not so good times. I have also been known to “shop” at PHP for that perfect accessory for a table that makes me laugh or even just smile or nod in appreciation. Happiness and contentment are made up of small moments. Don’t be afraid to add those bits and pieces to create your own oasis and glue to your tranquility. PHP continues to be open 24/7 via our web site shop and our Etsy shop. We are also open by appointment if you need a fix before March! Now, back to my tidying up. In case you haven’t heard of this trend, Hygge is a Danish term that suggests that you embrace the simpler things. It is a way of life. Practicing Hygge is creating a cozy, friendly, comfortable and peaceful environment for yourself. Rather than waiting in line at Target at 3 am, perhaps you sleep in and read a book with a cup of tea. Americans are in desperate need of this concept, especially now when division and angst seem to rule the day. So here’s a few examples of what would be hygge and what would not be hygge this holiday season: HYGGE: Turning off the lights and burning some candles Making hot chocolate Cuddling under a soft blanket Going snow shoeing with your dog Having friends to dinner and serve them comfort food Enjoying dessert Cooking homemade meals Playing a board game Going to look at pretty Christmas lights Unplugging Watching a Christmas movie Putting your slippers on NOT HYGGE: Scrolling your phone or computer for hours Hitting the malls at 3 am Over scheduling activities Fighting with family and friends Running a marathon Working until midnight Throwing large parties Wearing stilettos As you can see, hygge is all about creating and enjoying the right atmosphere. I think I was born Danish because I am all about this trend. If I am sitting in a (relatively) clean room with a few candles burning, I’m in my happy place. If my house is in shambles and life is overly busy, I feel out of sorts and down right depressed. I need down time and I need my comforts. I need to be able to sit and smile at my surroundings. I think it’s an idea worth pursuing when things are getting out of control. Maybe it’s time to stop, unplug, unwind and make yourself comfortable. At Pole Hill Provisions we try to carry products that make you stop and smile. So this season stop by and check us out. No lines. No malls. No crowds. Just a simple shop with some simple treasures to enjoy. Have a Happy Hygge Holiday. Don’t get me wrong. I love Joanna Gaines. I want to BE Joanna Gaines. Except I don’t want to live in Waco. Too hot. But anyway, as a fledgling business co-owner, I do look at Chip and Joanna and of course try to figure out how they got to be as successful as they are and whether I can pirate any of their marketing or business tips to benefit Pole Hill. Their ability to fall into --- well, a whole lot of success --- is admirable and enviable. But the Magnolia machine is also a cautionary tale.
If you notice in the beginning of the Gaines’ rise to fame, they searched lumber yards, junk shops and flea markets for the “just fabulous” pieces to decorate their homes. Joanna admittedly became a hoarder of these finds and Chip had to build her a warehouse to store it all. I have a brother-in-law who bought another house to store his yard sale finds, but that’s a story for another day. As time went by and America fell in love with Chip and Joanna and their vision of the picture-perfect home, they became faced with a problem. They couldn’t sustain their business on the flea market finds and the salvaged architectural pieces. Then when Target came calling, they had no choice. To grow and become the Magnolia brand for the entire country, they had to embrace mass production. And thus began the Joanna Gaines-ing of America. The reproduction farm and country products have taken over the landscape. Galvanized watering cans and large industrial letters made in china are found in every big box store in the country. We have been attending more and more local craft fairs and have discovered that most of hand made and genuine products have been colossally over taken by the reproductions and inexpensive made goods and merchandise. You can buy 100 painted signs that say Merry Christmas. They are identical because they have been mass-produced. But these products are missing the character and the story. There is no history or story of its past. The dented watering can that has been used on a local goat farm is a far different product than one found at Target. The dresser from Ikea simply doesn’t hold a candle to the mahogany dresser made by a Vermont farmer in the 1800’s which will easily last another generation or two and which is proudly offered by PHP in our shop (at a price rivaling Ikea's). That story connects us to our history and provides a time tested road map for our future. PHP has struggled with the question of whether or not to offer reproductions and mass produced items. So far, we have avoided this fate with the exception of a very few well-thought-out complimentary pieces. We are trying to maintain the original vision of bringing you antique and vintage pieces that have been re-imagined or up-cycled, as well as hand-made items and vintage products that have withstood the test of time. Come take a look at our one of a kind items. We’ll tell you the story and the history behind each piece. The holidays are challenging for most people, but especially those who host the gatherings of a diverse mix of family, friends. Aside from the divisive political discussions to look forward to, Uncle Sal can’t have nuts. Aunt Martha is a vegan. Your ne’er-do-well brother is a pescetarian and your mother-in-law is doing Atkins. What do you serve that satisfies the needs and wishes of all? One of the easiest and yet impressive looking appetizers you can assemble is a charcuterie board with a little something for everyone. This is not your grandma’s cheese platter - it can be as diverse as your family. Here’s a few tricks and suggestions to make your platter visually appealing and spectacularly yummy for all to enjoy: TASTE! Make sure to include something salty, sweet and sour. You’ll also want some soft food and something with a crunch. By including all taste groups, you’ll be able to satisfy any craving. Salty can include nuts, pretzels or crackers. For the sweet maybe have some grapes or other fruits. Honey is also a fun addition, especially if you spring for a honeycomb which is so visually stunning on a plate. Sour can include lemon curd, olives, cranberries or a tangy blue cheese. COLOR! The more color, the better! Select your fruits and veggies to maximize the impact of your platter. Tomatoes, yellow peppers, carrots, pomegranates, lemons, limes, etc. SERVING PLATTER! Create an impact with an unusual serving platter. A pizza board is always fun: Or try out PHP’s whiskey bourbon barrel top – it’s made into a lazy-susan for all your guests to access the delicious bits Or, if you are a real novice, we can help you there as well. Check out this cheese board with helpful hints included right on it! Whatever you like, the idea is to create a wide variety of options for all to enjoy. Bon appetite!
Check out these products and more on our shopping page! On a recent buying trip to Kentucky, I came across some various tobacco products in an old barn somewhere west of Lawrenceburg. Bundles and bundles of tobacco sticks, used a century ago for drying leaves. Made from solid oak to withstand the weight of the leaves as they were impaled in the fields and left to dry. After the tobacco dried, the large leaves were transported to market in huge flat baskets. Also made from oak, the makers soaked oak strapping in soda water to soften them enough to manipulate them into shape. The baskets held the leaves ready for market and keep the product off the wet dirt floors where they would rot more easily. Because the leaves were so big and the stems so strong, these baskets became worn over the decades. They became better with time as the corners broke leaving holes which allowed the stems to sit more snugly for transport. I could have stayed in that barn for days. While not a smoker, I have to admit I was drawn to the history of the place and the life and industry that has since virtually disappeared. Most people think of shiny floors when they thing of oak. But this barn was full of the wood as it was used in a much different way. It was damp and dark and smoky, pungent with the scent of the now long gone tobacco leaves. I could feel the centuries of this simple place and imagined the back breaking work of owners and slaves. Now tobacco manufactures use other more high-tech ways to transport their product, but these beautiful baskets and sticks are treasured bits of our past. The sticks have strengthen over the years to an almost petrified consistency. Nails bounce off these babies but they have become a popular medium for decorative ladders, stars, lanterns, trees, chairs and other home goods. The baskets are a great conversation piece and can be used in many ways. Check out the Noting Grace blog for some decorating ideas! notinggrace.com/how-to-decorate-with-tobacco-baskets/ And stop by Pole Hill Provisions to get your genuine tobacco baskets and sticks. You may still be able to smell the rich tobacco scent on them and imagine the years of use they had before you retire them to the more comfortable resting place of your living room wall. Unfortunately, when not working for Pole Hill Provisions, I have another job. A lawyer by trade, I spend most of my days talking to clients and attempting to solve their problems. The other day I was talking to client. I asked how his Easter was, making small talk before getting down to business. He informed me that it was a busy weekend at his house. He had 72 relatives for Easter. Now, we have been known to have large groups for holidays at my house – most notably Thanksgiving, but I think the most I have had was about 25-30 people. So I was suitably impressed. I inquired further and found out that he not only had 72 relatives for Easter – he had a SIT DOWN DINNER for all 72. With crystal, china, flatware, tables. No buffet. We spent the next several minutes discussing how it was done and he obviously had everything down to a science. It made me realize that adding more people to your event is really just adding a zero or two to everything. Think about it. With a little organization, the effort is almost the same. Making mash potatoes? Just peel a few more potatoes (which can be done days in advanced). Baking a traditional Easter ham? Just throw another ham in beside it. Salad? Get out a few more bowls. The time it takes to increase the amount of food really isn’t that much. I think what really scares people off is where to put everyone and how to serve with real china instead of the easier paper products. But again, these obstacles are easy to over come. 6 foot folding banquet tables cost about $30 a piece and seat 10. I bet 3 or 4 of the people you are hosting even have a folding table to contribute. Take a poll at the beginning of the planning. Who has a table, folding chairs? Who has a set of dishes or glasses or flatware. Instead of a pot luck food wise, it could be a potluck table wise. And as you know, the dished and glassware don’t have to match. That’s the fun part. Mix them up and give your history buff uncle the plate with the Presidents on it. Or your crazy brother-in-law the plate with Lake George on it to remind everyone about the time he did a cannon ball in the lake. It almost makes the day more special. Or, of course, you can visit Pole Hill Provisions for everything you need a very reasonable prices – from dishes to glassware to serving pieces to candles. We’ve got you covered. So don’t be intimidated by a crowd. Embrace it and turn it into an event for the scrapbooks. The important thing is getting together with those you love for a memorable time. Just remember, the kids do the dishes. :) Fire. Nothing is more mesmerizing. I can’t seem to draw my eyes away. Fire’s hypnotic qualities date back to prehistoric times and still, we find ourselves drawn to this life giving experience. Think of times around the camp fire or staring into a roaring fire on a wintery evening. It somehow has a way to restore you and allow you to meditate in ways you can’t without it.
Fire is part of my essential “ambiance” that makes me happy. As I mentioned in previous blogs, it’s really about creating a mood and fire is top on my list of creating the right vibe for any occasion. Dimming the lights and lighting a fire is also a great way to ignore your messy house for a little while! The trouble is, I don’t have a fire place in my house (a house that was built in 1790, but that’s a story for another day). So I have created my own. Gathering a hodgepodge of candle sticks on a tray in the middle of my coffee table, I enjoy my fire and its relaxing qualities without having to clean out the ashes. Pole Hill Provisions is pleased to announce our new candle line. Organic soy, small batch pours, all hand fashioned with exotic scents that will take you away – at least for a little while. From time to time, customers come into Pole Hill Provisions and see an item that they remember from their childhood.
“Oh, I remember these!” “My mother had this!” “I think I have this in my attic!” We at PHP embrace these comments, as one of our mottos is to celebrate those items that have withstood the test of time (and if they haven’t quite withstood the test of time, we like to reimagine, update or upcycle them!) In fact, many items from the past have become more valuable as time goes by. And just because it has been “well loved”, doesn’t mean the value is diminished. The true patina of a relic is often an asset, highlighting the workmanship that went into the piece. So when you are cleaning out your parent’s house or your attic filled with generations of furniture, toys, decorative items and other items that you may not even know what they are, don’t just toss everything in the dumpster. Some things may have true value – if not to you, then to someone else. Do your research or have some help. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist. We even accept consignments on a limited basis (assuming available space and suitability). |
ABOUT THE BLOG:
When Pole Hill Provisions opened,we knew wanted to share a vibe...a way of looking at the world, cultivating your life with others and creating a sense of calm in an otherwise crazy world. Sounds impossible. Perhaps it is. But we strive to create and share products that are designed to make a little bit of difference in someone's world. Whether it be through upcycling the forgotten item, sharing a treasure from the past or constructing a one of a kind piece that is inspired to bring a tiny bit of joy into someone's life. From time to time we will explore these ideas. We hope you enjoy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maryann is a contributor to Pole Hill Provisions as wife, support system, occasional critic and creative consultant. In her dreams considers herself the next Joanna Gaines. She splits her time between her law practice, her family and Pole Hill Provisions. |