joannie: The corner of bliss and joy!!

You know that special place? The little shop that you drop into just to walk the isles and smell the sweet mustiness of the old treasures. The gals (just sayin..cause they are mostly gals) know you by name and never ask if you need anything because they know being in that space is all you want and need.

I am not sure if it is the visual aspect about being surrounded by all of the warm wood patina or if it is the quiet that often accompanies a great shop, but it can almost feel like being in church.

My family has moved a couple of times for my hubbies work.
The favorite shop is sad to let go of, but you know...you JUST know that you will find another great place that will restore you just like the old one did.

In Atlanta there was a small family owned nursery, Lost Mountain Nursery. They created green houses with architectural salvage. It was close to home and with four small children and homeschooling, I could zip over there and take a stroll and feel like my mind got a mini vacation.

In Raleigh it was Suzanne's ,off of Durant Rd. by the railroad tracks. Susie and Linda are dolls. They set up shop in an old run down mechanic garage, complete with garage bay doors. The YARD...was full of outdoor treasure and a huge propane tank made to look like a GIANT pig. My kids loved picking up colored stones that the gals would toss around in the gravel, just so the kids could have something to do while mom browsed.

That leaves me with Virginia. We have lived here for about 18 months. The kids are in public school and doing great. (Anyone want to ask me about transitioning into public school... email me..i have lots and lots to say.) So, I had some time on my hands, but could not find that one place that gave me peace.
I have been to A TON of places and have had a great time finding them...but not my special one.

NOT UNTIL TODAY!!!!
Sorry!.....
But I am about to BUST!
Hubby knew I was having a hard week.

Our furry child is having some issues and we may need to make some unpleasant...NO..unthinkable choices...His name is Marco...Please pray for guidance for our furry man.

Well...He was out in an area of Richmond that he had never been, and he left me the cutest message on my cell phone.

"Baby! I found it!..This place just screams Joannie! Bring you here this weekend!"

Welcome to the crossroads of BLISS and JOY!!!

Otherwise know as Libby St. and Grove.

I took tons of pictures to share with Ya'll. The entire family had so much fun we can not wait to go back and make more discoveries.

I will stop gabbing and give you a glimpse of my New Special Place....hope you like it, CAUSE I LOVE IT!!