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Since March of 2020, I have been reading more poetry and more books. And by more poetry, I mean actually reading the poetry of Emily Dickinson. 1 of my favorite poems begins like this; "I started Early-Took my Dog- And visited the Sea- The Mermaids in the Basement Came Out to look at me-" There is more to this poem, but seriously, "The Mermaids in the Basement Came Out to look at me." Everything in this line speaks to me. Also, Dickinson wrote about mermaids? How cool is this? Did you read Dickinson in high school? I did not. So these old words are new words to me and it is a wonderful discovery. By Emily Dickinson: "We introduce ourselves To Planets and to Flowers But with ourselves Have etiquettes Embarrassments And awes." From A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh" "How sweet to be a Cloud Floating in the Blue!" It makes him very proud To be a little cloud. " From "Be: An Alphabet of Astonishment" by Michael Lipson,PhD "The rose is without a why. She blooms because she blooms. She pays no heed to herself, nor cares if anyone sees her." by Andreas Schiffler, penname-"Silesian Angel" In this New Year that approaches, 2024, I want to read more of Emily Dickinson's poetry and visit her house in Amherst, Massachusetts.. I also want to read more poetry in general. Nikita Gill and Nikki Giovanni are also on my "to read more" list . Typically I do not make "resolutions" but this year is different. Do you have poets that you recommend? Wishing Y'All an amazing 2024 full of all the wonder & joy!

I grew up in Northern California, Albany, Berkeley, and Oakland. My Mom was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee, lived in Kentucky and then eventually moved to Michigan. My Dad was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts and eventually moved to San Francisco when he was about 14. My parents met on a blind date in San Francisco and were married 3 months later. My Mom was raised Southern Baptist and my Dad was raised Jewish. They were married in my Aunt Bernice's living room. I am so grateful to both of them for how they raised me. They raised me to have respect for other people's faiths and beliefs. They took our family to different churches and synagogues around the Bay Area. We went to an Episcopalian Christmas Eve service where the Priest swirled the incense in a beautiful silver container. We went to Glide Memorial United Methodist Church and heard the wonderful choir sing. Reverend Cecil Williams gave the sermon. My parents instilled in me, what I remember as "The Golden Rule." that is to "Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated." As an adult I lived in the Bay Area, and then moved to Georgia when I re-married. I lived in the Atlanta area for about 21 years. I learned so much about my Mom from living in the south. Now I live in Western Massachusetts, and am learning so much about my Dad. My Dad passed away about 25 years ago. He never knew that I moved to Georgia. I think he would have been thrilled that I lived in Atlanta and also that I am in Massachusetts. My Mom has had Alzheimers for the last 6 years. Mom did like to come visit us in Georgia. She does not know that I moved to Massachusetts. Alzheimers works that way. Something dawned on me the other day: I have been listening to an album by James Taylor from 1970, "Sweet Baby James." My parents played this record in our living room every weekend. Flash forward: I am so happily surprised to know now that I live in "The Berkshires" "Now the first of December was covered with snow So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston Though the Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting." I feel like this song time traveled from when I was a child to now. James Taylor lives in The Berkshires too. (my son-in-law told me once, that I might see him at a coffee shop.) For my Mom, the song, "Country Road " "Take to the highway....mama don't understand it." My Mom had a very challenging relationship with her mother and left home at 18. She worked in Michigan and then moved cross country to San Francisco where she worked as a ticket agent for TWA. November makes me nostalgic and grateful for many things. Although neither one of them know that I listen to "Sweet Baby James", each time I do, I think of them and am filled with love.

I was talking with my friend Angela this morning and she commented to me ; "You speak in greeting cards..." I replied, "you know, you're right!" We were discussing "adulting" and how it can be challenging... I said, "you know I have this card that says...See below. Birthday card by Compendium of Seattle. I suggested to Angela that sometimes treating ourselves is very necessary. Not always with sweets, but with little things that bring us simple joy. Simple daily joy. When I worked in the brick & mortar 2014-2019, I was fortunate to be surrounded by lovely Greeting Card Walls. The walls were filled with inspiring, funny, validating, affirming, sarcastic, supportive, motivating and empowering words and images. I think that is where I first noticed that I was happier when I was working in the store. The greeting cards, stickers, magnets, tea towels, mugs, pin back buttons, patches, enamel pins and even the socks filled me with daily joy and affirmation. Seeing people every day when they stopped in for browsing or shopping always was wonderful because we were able to chat and socialize. Working from home on the website is a whole new adventure as a small business creative "mastermind." One thing remains the same: I still rely on the empowering energy of the amazing treasures that surround me in my office-basement-warehouse. I am working with an art therapist and am finding it very helpful. She suggested that I journal more and write "validating statements" for myself. One of the statements I wrote is, "I am adventurous, even though I am afraid a lot." I am working on an artwork to depict myself as an adventurer, but I also recently realized that a letterpress card by Janine Kwoh of Kwohtations, has resonated with me from the first moment I saw it. Shannon Cohen created the empowering sticker below which is an uplifting and continuing reminder, to "Speak Life to the Dreams " of My Own Soul When I think about the things we sell on our site, I know that the "things" are indeed small, but I hope that they bring a little daily joy to You, Gorgeous Friend. (the way they do for me.) In conclusion, now you know how "greeting cards make me happy." Thank You Gorgeous Friend for your continued support of my small business, Sincerely, Kim

Remember Recess? Remember Glitter? Bubbles? Jacks? What are some of your favorite childhood play memories? What are some things you do for play? For joy in your day? I am working with an art therapist and yesterday we discussed the importance of play, and joy for yes, Grown Ups. For me, 1 of my most favorite things is blowing bubbles. I have 2 large bubble wands and I really do sit outside and blow bubbles. I did it in Atlanta and now I am doing it here in Pittsfield. I love to watch the various sizes of bubbles that emerge from the wand, the iridescence of colors & light, as well as watching how the bubbles travel. I had forgotten that my nickname in junior high was "Bubbles" Bobby reminded me last night. How trippy is that? I am looking forward to creating a "Bubble Land" for our grandchild. My therapist also told me that blowing bubbles is a good way to regulate one's breathing. This is fascinating. I am always looking for ways to relax, slow down, and lessen stress and anxiety. What if blowing bubbles is my way? What are some of your ways to "play?" How do you add joy and whimsy to your day? Although I do not sell bubbles currently, Channel Craft makes a Jacks set which is excellent. Available at HGBGA.com Coco's Musings creates colorful, whimsical earrings, hair clips and keychains with glitter, color, and fun for your accessory style. Thank you for taking the time to read my babbling. I do enjoy the babble of a blog. Wishing you a fun day filled with a little joy, play & whimsy. Cheers, Bubbles. .

One of my favorite things about running a small gift shop is finding Cool Stuff. When the brick & mortar was open, Pop Ups with the Makers were so much fun. Now that we are online, I realized that I wanted to move that feeling to HGBGA.com The good vibes of seeing the person who makes the greeting card, sticker, enamel pin, necklace, puzzle, earrings etc...It is important that you can see who they are. Real people making really wonderful things filled with creativity and joy. Therefore, now on our social media and on our website, you will be able to see photos of many of the Nice People Who Make the Cool Stuff. I have had the honor of meeting several of these Nice People since 2014. Since we have been online, I have been able to "meet" them thru Instagram, letters, emails and phone calls. It is important to me for our Gorgeous Friends to also be able to "Meet the Makers" thru their wonderful and creative work. When we opened Hello Gorgeous Boutique & Cafe in 2014, we wanted to create community and connection through creativity. I am so grateful to each of the Artists and Makers for making this creative community connection happen. Thank you to each of you, Gorgeous Friends for continuing to support my small business. When you shop with HGBGA.com have fun, explore and discover all the wonderful magical work available to you. The Nice People Who Make Cool Stuff truly do bring joy and magic to us. Let's enjoy it.

I moved quite a bit when I was a kid. I actually went to 3 different 4th Grades in Berkeley, California. I never imagined that I would move from California to Georgia and now to Massachusetts. As I sort through my "stuff", I realize so many things...the "stuff" is part of what creates memories. Photos, letters, stories, yearbooks, CD's, records, even socks, jewelry, pillowcases, tchotkes, and greeting cards... All these "things" remind me of who I am. I like mess. I like color. I like to see my stuff. I like to be organized, but I like to see the stuff. (so I know where it is) (Thanks Grace) "Think messy maximalism:chaos, but lovingly displayed chaos." "not just accepting a bit of mess but actually embracing it, in order to have more time with a more important thing in your life-the people you love." From Holly Williams' article, "Why being messy is good for you." February 10, 2023 So it actually makes sense to me why I love to find "cool stuff" made by nice people. The treasures we enjoy, look at, and generally make a part of our world, bring a little magic to our day. I hope you find treasures for you and yours at the HGBGA.com collection. I hope to offer a little whimsy, joy and color with the treasures found on HGBGA.com In the words of a Gorgeous Friend, from earlier this week, who texted me after she picked up her treasures. "Listen, it is an absolute pleasure to do business with you. You make shopping for cool stuff really easy!" Till March 9, 2023, enjoy free domestic shipping and local pickup in Chamblee. Our See Ya' Warehouse Sale is Saturday, March 4 & Sunday, March 5, from 10-5pm. Hope to see y'all online or at our Warehouse Sale! Our website will be Paused and Unable to Process Orders from March 10-May 2023. Wishing Y'all a wonderful week!

Hello Gorgeous Friend, This blog post is a letter to each of you. We are moving to Massachusetts to be closer to our granddaughter. I thought about how to let local people know...and this seems like an effective way. So here we go, In the practical sense, we have some "local" items that are now in our "Sale" section. No code or coupon needed. Simply Shop our SALE section. We are also having a Moving Sale on 2/4/23 & 2/5/23 in Chamblee. If you are local, the address is 3171 Clairwood Terrace, Chamblee 30341. We will be selling vintage treasures & tchotkes, but also new & current merchandise. If you purchase from HGBGA.com and would like local pickup in Chamblee, that will be available till 2/28/23. Nationwide Shipping will be available till 3/8/23. (will resume later in March 2023) I want to say thank you to each of you for supporting my small business dream since 2014. I appreciate each of you more than you can know. One of the things I miss most about our brick & mortar is each of you. You are indeed, "Gorgeous Friends." I am so grateful to have met you throughout this 8 year & counting journey. Visiting with you and our conversations will always be part of the wonderful memories, from the Chamblee, Hello Gorgeous Boutique & Cafe. Like Dr. Seuss wrote; "Don't Cry Because it's over, Smile Because It Happened." For the Gorgeous Friends, that know HGBGA.com from this website, THANK YOU for your support on this website adventure. I appreciate each of you choosing to shop with us. I may not have met you in person, but please know I am grateful for each of you. As we explore the small business adventure in Massachusetts; My mission will continue to be communication, inclusion, and the joy of creativity. Simply put, "Nice People Who Make Cool Stuff" and bringing a little joy into your day. You each bring joy into my life and I thank you. Sincerely, Kim

Hello Gorgeous Friends, I am an expert on Happy Mail. For the last 8 years, I have curated an excellent assortment of unique greeting cards by amazing artists. I am also an expert on finding the best gifts for you and yours. I had the wonderful experience of creating this experience in our shop in Chamblee, Georgia. Now, I have moved this expertise to the world wide web. With a little whimsy and our customary flair, we now offer an easy way to bring Happy Mail and Gifting into your home. Meet "The Mailbox" for November 2022. This curated selection of 6 greeting cards is the easy way to keep the lines of communication and connection flowing. I am thrilled to announce that we are collaborating with Jones Street Press, a Woman Owned Stationery and Gift Brand based in Atlanta. Chrissy, is a mom, artist, breast cancer survivor and a big fan of Outlander and Bridgerton. Her card, "A Pumpkin a Day Keeps Reality at Bay" is the inspiration for November's collection. Chrissy and I both believe that greeting cards and stickers are an exceptional way to chat, laugh, celebrate and support each other. You can do just that through "The Mailbox" November's offerings focus on these major themes: Pumpkin Spice, Vodka, Waffles, Birthdays, Friendship, Gratitude, You Did It!, and Self Care- (nap time) I really like November. It is not as flashy as December, but it holds such good memories for me. The leaves are changing, and the pumpkin spice is happening (my new fave is pumpkin cream cold brew) I begin to think about traditions, friends and family. I have started a new tradition with my 10 month old granddaughter. I put stickers in my copy of her baby book. I write a little description for each sticker, which is a shared memory for us. I have also been sending her greeting cards, because she lives out of state. It makes me feel connected to her even when I cannot be there. "The Mailbox" is an excellent way to create memories and share connection with the people in your world. Do you have a special favorite thing about November? Let me know. Thank you for being you, Gorgeous Friend. Sincerely, Kim

What I wish for this Holiday Season: Here's my list. Peace. Love. Equality. Understanding. Compassion. Empathy. Community. Comfort. Health. Laughter. When I was a little kid, I remember this 1 Coca-Cola commercial; A group of diverse people singing; "I'd Like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony..." This New Seekers song from 1972, spoke to me then, and it speaks to me now.

As a self-taught artist, art teacher and gift shop owner, 2 of my most favorite things are imagination and creativity. In the "before time", I had the wonderful experience of visiting the National Stationery Show in New York City. This was an incredible trip, because I had the chance to meet the makers of stationery brands and many other creative people. The Javits Center was abuzz with the good vibes energy and creativity of so many people and it was fantastic. I always returned to Chamblee with a reinvigorated sense of connection and the magical joy of imagination. I am happy to report (surprisingly) that Instagram has connected me some amazing people who are stationery artists, jewelry designers and more. I had the opportunity to chat with Lucia Saisse, Maker of Lucy Loves Paper on Friday and it was fabulous. Lucia is originally from Brazil and now lives in Orange County, California with her husband and son. Talking with Lucia definitely reenergized me. Her whimsical, colorful, and upbeat stationery brand lives up to the description:"Delivering kindness, connection & inclusion in a bright bowl of cuteness!" If you, too, would like to Meet Lucia, listen in on our Instagram Live Series of Makers 2022. Send a little happiness soon with one of the delightful greeting cards and stickers by Lucy Loves Paper. Available at HGBGA.com Local Pickup and We Ship. Wishing you joy & magic! from Kim

We're excited to be part of SmileSongs' IG "Inside The Cards" Live tomorrow night at their Instagram @Smile_Songs where Sharon G, creator of Smile Songs, will be interviewing our own Kim of Hello Gorgeous Boutique to talk about Sharon's line Smile Songs that we sell here in our online shop, how Kim creates our gorgeous world of gifts, and answer your questions about greeting cards that you have! Join @Smile_Songs on Tuesday June 7th Live at 7pm Eastern/5pm Mountain for Inside the Cards with special guest Gorgeous Kim from @hellogorgeousboutiquega What you can expect for the evening: - Hear Sharon play the songs from Smile Songs cards + gifts for you, live - Discover how Kim creates her gorgeous world of gifts and how you get ‘em - Ask us questions about how to pick the perfect card or gift for your fave humans - And yes: Play pick a card with us! Tune in to Inside the Cards live with special guest Kim Fredrickson of Georgia’s Hello Gorgeous Boutique and Sharon G. of @smile_songs musical greeting cards and gifts. When Tuesday, June 7th Where: Insta Live: https://www.instagram.com/smile_songs/ When: 7pm Eastern/6 Central/5 Mountain/4 Pacific It’s gonna be fun! Hope to see you there! Shop Musical Smile Songs Greeting Cards HERE!

Written by Kim Fredrickson, Edited by Sarah-Jane May It is officially May! Happy New Month to You! This is my birthday month, so I always feel like let's get the party started! And by party, I mean I think many festive thoughts, some deep, some superficial. So, I am Grandma Kim now to a cutie pie granddaughter. So amazing. So grateful. We are officially online only now and we are officially moved into our new office and warehouse space. I even bought an office chair! I realized that I am so used to moving around a space; this is an interesting and new experience. Any tips? I enjoy spring. Yesterday it was 72' with sunny blue skies. As I am writing this it is cloudy, overcast, and 73'. It may get up to 81'. What's the weather like near you? I had an epiphany yesterday. I really like the word "bliss". "Joy, pleasure, delight, happiness, gladness." My goal for this newsletter, Gentle Readers, is to share with you the things that bring bliss to an inside space and even to our outdoor spaces. Inside Bliss: So, candles bring bliss into a space with fragrance, light and a small time for pausing. Yes, pausing, reflecting, reading, listening to music and enjoying the perfume of the room. (why not call candles room perfume? I wanna make that happen) Kiss Me in the Garden makes these lovely candles with quotes from inspiring women. Funny Candle Co. creates candles with witty packaging and delightful scents. Penn Chemists are in brightly colored votives that smell fabulous and have names like Nirvana.(smell way better than teen spirit...couldn't resist) We also have fragrance free candles from Unemployed Philosophers Guild and PC Hester for the light, art, and moments of peace and tranquility. (which I wanna make happen too) Make your space cozy, colorful, and even hear the tinkling of bells with Indika Imports selection of pillow covers, prosperity hens and bells. Cuddle with the cutest plush pig by Compendium or the adorable Pink Poodlena. Inspired Peru also offers the softest alpaca, teddy, and penguin cuties. Ivy & Sage has the "Home Sweet Home" and the pink "Peony" pillow cover too for the cozy space. Mugs: Drinking my coffee out of a different mug each day brings me bliss. So, we have mugs from: Citizen Ruth Brand Iamtra Bold & Dreamy (Previously known as Mahathey Made) Art: We have art in the form of greeting cards, magnets, wall art, and stickers. Colorful images and inspiring words always bring me bliss, and may even include laughter! Outside Bliss: Plant a garden with flower and vegetable Seeds by Sow the Magic in beautiful tarot inspired seed packets. Sunglasses by Peepers for the mystery and for blocking the sun in style. Cinnamon deodorant by Sin Min. Sure, it may be weird that I actually look forward to applying this fab deodorant before I go outside. But, I am okay with this. It smells good and it works. Flower Crowns by Mays Monsters to look festive and floral, cause it's spring & I like to imagine myself a fairy. Available in braided, regular, and light up styles! Jewelry: Cameoko Jewelry for outside is a necessity for me. I always wear a necklace, a few bracelets and earrings. Why? Because this adornment make me feel strong and solid. Socks: I don't wear flip flops. I do wear sandals eventually. However, bliss for me outside is walking in closed toe shoes with really comfy and colorful socks. We have those for babies, kids and grownups. Zkano Socks - organic cotton and made in a family owned sock mill in Fort Payne, Alabama Socksmith Outlands Collection with recycled wool or the recycled cotton crew socks. Made in the US and come in a variety of fun patterns for the walking or perhaps the hiking. A floral or colorful lightweight scarf is quite nice for the outside too. It provides a bit of glamour and if it rains or gets cold suddenly, you are ready to wrap up in the scarf. Carrying your stuff securely and efficiently is important for the outside excursions. How about a Sunavworld crossbody, or a Fly Paper Canvas tote, or a leather bag by Kiko Leathers Want something small that works for carrying the id, cc and cash? How about this Janis Joplin coin purse, Blue Q zipper pouches, or the Papaya Art zipper coin purses with key fob. There you have it, Gorgeous Friends, also known as Gentle Readers... (yes I have watched all of Bridgerton and enjoyed it.) My favorite characters are Lady Danbury and the Queen. How about you? Wishing you a wonderful week and a marvelous May! Shop HGBGA.com 24/7 Local Pickup and We Ship nationwide and then some! Thank you for supporting us throughout this small business adventure. We appreciate each of you so much. - Kim & Team Gorgeous