Thursday 8th January, 2026
In Which Phoenixes, Wolves, and New Friends Appear
Today the weather returned to something resembling respectable - mid to high twenties. Sensible. Civilised. After last night’s surprise encounter with a gecko in my room (a small agent of chaos with excellent climbing ability and no regard for my sleep schedule), I was a little under-rested, but still eager to open the doors.
We had barely unlocked them when a man walked straight in and bought the metal Day of the Dead skeleton we’d been using in the window as a prop. One moment it was festive décor, the next, it had found its person and marched off to a new home. The shop approved of this efficiency.
Sales trickled in steadily throughout the day. A lovely woman came in who recognised us from one of the markets and bought three books, a notebook, and a metal bookmark - the full “I have found my people” set. Later, a couple walked in and bought four t-shirts straight off the rack with the decisiveness of people who know exactly what they want.
Stars came in again to paint, bringing both creativity and the kind of warmth that makes the whole shop perk up. Her newest idea is brilliant: on the witch she’s painted in the corner, flames burst from one hand and a storm cloud from the other - and now the flames are becoming a phoenix, and the cloud is becoming a lightning wolf. It looks incredible. The shop has been gazing at that wall rather proudly.
She also brought homemade açaí bowls for Kris and me - cold, delicious, refreshing, and exactly what was needed. The shop would like it noted that this sort of behaviour should be encouraged.
Our new printer has arrived! The epic, mighty Morris. He is large, powerful, slightly dramatic, and now fully installed. We began printing flyers immediately, and Morris handled it with the smugness of a machine fulfilling his destiny. Soon we’ll have them up on noticeboards around town, gently luring more readers through the doors.
Sue from Fleurieu FM popped in for a visit, and we had a lovely chat about possibly getting some of our local authors on her radio show for interviews. The idea alone sent the shop rustling with interest.
Then Tim came in - a local leatherworker - and we talked about the possibility of him crafting leather belts for us. It’s so nice to meet local creatives - the Fleurieu is so rich with interesting, talented people! After Tim left, a group of local DnD players wandered in (my kind of people entirely). One of them makes dice boxes and other treasures, so we may soon have her creations in the shop once we figure out exactly what we want. It was, all in all, a very networky sort of day - conversations weaving together like threads.
Meanwhile, Kris finished another one of her beautiful pieces: a coffee-coloured skirt with a chocolate ribbon, and it’s gorgeous. We now have three of her creations in-store - the new skirt, the sage green skirt with cream lace ribbon, and the white gown. The shop seems to hold its breath a little whenever Kris makes something new.
All in all, it was a day full of ideas, connections, creativity, and momentum.
And as we locked up, the shop felt bright, and our village grew a little.
