As you know, I’m a fan of an inspiring workspace.
After 3 years of living and working hard in this office, I still love it. Despite the fact that it NEVER looks this clean. An in, NOT EVER. I stalk inspiring workspaces online a lot and am always trying to figure out how our spaces can work better for us and imbibe the quirky leanings of my brain.
(if you can source this photo, please let me know!)
I’ve had this teeny tiny dream/idea in the back of my head for years that I rarely talk about and rarely share about. Why? Because what if I never do it? What if it sounds stupid and impractical? What if I already have enough on my plate?
I was driving by an old abandoned gas station in our town that’s for rent, listening to Hank Williams sing Hey Good Lookin, and all I could think about for days was wouldn’t that be a great spot for my dream to live and for my favorite music to play all day long.
What is this tiny little impractical dream that I dare not share for fear of backing myself into some kind of imaginary corner? To open a little lifestyle boutique in a quaint space, like an old abandoned gas station with leftover signage from 1950 or a rickety downtown building with sky high ceilings, old chippy brick for walls and hundred year old hardwood for floors.
I would look like this, creating stuff, selling my wares, and loving on your babies while you shop and visit. My hair wouldn’t look that good and I’d probably have on jeans and cowboy boots, but you get the idea.
It would be a space where I’d have repurposed antique-y vintage items, some of my favorite new items like cowboy boots and disco balls, a tiny bookstore and coffee corner, a space to knit, old school country and folk music playing in the background, and the occasional cooking or knitting or art class to keep us all inspired.
You could come and shop or just come and sit and be inspired. And maybe a little corner kitchen like this.
Combine that with a lot of color and Anthropologie-esque style and there you have it.
A little like Imogene and Willie’s meets Craft South meets your local antique store. Or like Hank Williams meets Folk Soul Revival meets the Lumineers.
With a quirky, old cowboy vibe. Maybe we’ll sell quilts and pillows too, just for fun.
I’ve never been to such a rustic/industrial/cowboy/vintage place but I’d love to create one someday.
In my little town, there are several adorable old houses that I’ve had my eye on for years, thinking maybe someday I’d find someone who wanted to invest in a place and just let me do the creative part. So far, none such investor has materialized.
But, I keep dreaming.
So, here’s my plan. Since our nest is getting emptier by the day, I thought I might just take over Nick’s old room and experiment with making it have a little boutique-y feel. (Of course, I’d leave the bed in there for when he comes home. I’m not THAT kind of mom, dear people. Okay, I’m sort of that kind of mom, but the bed stays and he can sleep under a nest of cute pillows.) I’ve even thought of launching a little online shop first as sort of a test. But, there’s little thing called a BOOK I need to write first so for now, this is all like cotton candy in my head. Here’s the room which shall be boutique’d and fussed over within an inch of its life.
I’m collecting images and ideas for how to do this as we speak. I’m in the process of moving all the the sewing accoutrements down there to finish that quilt I started and I’m turning the closet into a craft corralling space. I’m even debating a chalk wall and some wallpaper from Anthropologie to push it over the edge, although I’ll gladly take your suggestions for interesting walls. Who knows?
(I think not running is starting to cause the accumulation of many things in my head and maybe I’ll come to my senses in a few weeks and this will all have seemed so…..unrealistic.)
But just in case it ever happens, I’m working on the playlist now. And a name. Something with sister or south or grace or home in it. Got any ideas?
One thing’s for sure—Hank will be twanging from the speakers!
What is your impractical dream? Maybe you should write yours down, too and we can be far fetched together!
I can imagine this place and I’m sure I would love it. I have a similar dream as well. My uncles own an old country store that my grandparents used to run when i was a kid. I spent my summers there and loved every minute of it. I’ve not been inside the old store in many years but am certain I would burst into tears at the sight of the place of my old childhood memories. It used to be the center of local life in our rural community, back before cell phones and internet, facebook and instagram. In order to keep up, you had to actually stop and go in an sit and talk with people, before work and after, and after church on Sunday. Things were so simple then. I’d love to have the old store come to life again with all the things I love. Coffee, good food, laughter, fun, family, antiques, the sound of the screen door slamming and a fire burning in the wood heater that would set your legs on fire when you stood in front of it. It’s good to dream and remember…
yes….
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My dream is to own a few condos/houses that are vacation rentals. So that I decorate them to my hearts content and not just to “flipper standards”. Unfortunately, in order to do that, I’m going to have to work in my same field for awhile before I get to do anything more creative. 🙂
Oh, Edie… my dream is much the same as yours… the space, the creativity, the fun with decoration (though I might not have as much cowboy or Hank…) 🙂 I would love a space with character to hold painting classes or book clubs, or conversations over coffee…
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same ideas you
discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would appreciate your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
I think this would be the best tourist destination!!! Love your ideas. As for names lets see: Graceful Southern Sister, Southern Sister’s House, Graceful Southern Home.
Edie- Honestly- it’s like you are constantly in my brain- This settles it- I’m moving to Tennessee!!! I immediately thought of Imogene & Willies when you started talking- YES-YES-YES INDEED! Sounds perfect- Add some Old Gringo boots-
I wish Larry Mayhan still made boots…
If you are looking for investors, I’m ALL IN!
My mind will be swirling with these thoughts the rest of the afternoon!
Loved all the pictures you shared-
PS- I used to run a western store- in my earlier years. I rarely had a paycheck, however, my boots were incredible 🙂 Mayhan, TL, Nocona, Justin- you get the idea…
I dream of simply having an extra room in my home just for writing and crafts; I have it pictured how it would be laid out. A window with a view for the writing part. All my craft stuff would be organized for a change and easy to access. A comfy chair also by the window for writing in my journal or just staring or having a cup of coffee. Great lighting….I am all into ambience. Candles. Sigh. Right now I live in a 600 square foot one bedroom condo and my desk is in my bedroom and my craft things are stuffed into the ONE closet I have in the entire house. I feel trapped here and pray daily for a God-given miracle to be able to change things. I have had the weirdest life ever, trust me!
Yes, yes, YES! I have more dreams than hours in the day, and I just love yours too. Go for it! I will visit and advertise my heart out for you. Road trip from NC!
Better yet, just rent out Nick’s room to all your readers as we all want to soak in the way you do it ALl:)
PERFECT idea, Meg!!!!
Ah, I love daydreaming. I do this all the time. I’ve always wanted to flip houses, more for the creative/fun aspect than the money, but alas, no investor has shown up on my doorstep either. Fingers crossed we can make these dreams happen one day! Maybe “Life at Home” for your boutique? Maybe not. 🙂
Yes, fingers crossed!
Love that name, Lauren!
🙂
Love your dream, Edie!!! These names contain none of your requested words, but here they are anyhow: “Spunk in the Trunk,” “Style Me Gritty,” “Charmed, I’m Sure” and “The Tinker Barn.” Lol, it’s getting late and I’m getting looney 🙂
Love the word grit so I may to rethink!!
Love all your ideas!
Well, Well, Well. this sounds like so much fun, can’t wait for it to open, downtown Bean Station will never be the same. Of course, there is no downtown Bean Station., but maybe you can get it on the map with your cute shop. Bean Station is just a hop skip and jump for me and I will be there to shop ,sing, and enjoy. Hope to see you soon.
Where are you, Becky?
(I was thinking downtown Morristown, but there’s an old abandoned gas station nearby that I’ve got my eye on!)
You must do this! With your gift of communication, hospitality and decorating, you must do this! However, you left out one thing! An area to gather a book club in the evenings! You have me struggling through the classics. I attempted to read a few of the classics two years ago and became frustrated. Your podcast on the subject gave me encouragement to try again. Thank you! Keep dreaming!
Always enjoy reading your blog but haven’t commented before! Here’s the source for your first picture: http://www.happymundane.com/2013/07/the-fab-pad-of-fab-com/
If you’re trying to find the source of an image it will sometimes work to right click on the image then choose “search google for this image”. Thanks for all the heartfelt info you’ve shared on your blog : )
THANK YOU , Jennifer!! Did not know that!
xoxo
Dang, she beat me to it. Or is that even possible considering I’m two years late? That entire house is amazing!
I’d shop at your store and I’ll be glad for you to hold my chubby baby. I think you’ve already given it the perfect name: Edie’s Impossible Dream (maybe throw boutique on the end for good measure).
*impractical dream. That’s what I get for commenting late in the day. 🙂
So awesome, Amy!
We just set up a room in our home for my husband to teach piano. I have dreamed for a while of having a space where he can teach piano and I can do writing workshops for kids and adults and we can have a little coffee / dessert bar and maybe sell some scrapbooky, stationery, gifty type things. A place where people would want to hang out. A place where we have gatherings on Friday nights to play music. Maybe one day we’ll be able to graduate out of the house into a more user friendly business type space with character. How about Sister Grace for the name, or Grace Sisters, or South of Grace… I love playing with name ideas. I miss my beloved Tennessee. If you ever have your little shop I’d have to make a road trip to check it out!
So cool, Teresa! And LOVE all the names.
Mwahhhhh!
🙂 oh, and one more name. I thought of this last night while not sleeping, which is when I do my best planning. Southern Grace. I’m a little partial to Grace because when I first started my blog, before I decided to be just me, I used the pen name Sadie Grace. And I love the south. I used to live on Grace Drive in Johnson City….
Southern Sister
LOVE!!
You are still young. Follow your dream and I am sure it will be a success! I missed out on mine due to family circumstances and still think about it. You could also have an Etsy shop or something similar to post your wares.
Edie, you already do have that special space on your blog. Everytime I come visit I leave refreshed and inspired. When you do open your brick and mortor one, I will fly down there and have a cuppa. 🙂
Nothing wrong with dreaming! You really do have a way of peeking into our hearts and giving voice to our silent longings. Thanks for keeping the “dream” alive!
Yes! I can see it just as you describe it. You must go for it. The room idea is great, but you were made to be that shop owner with Hank blaring while you cuddle with chubby babies.
You know Edie – I love that you may be afraid to put your dreams out there – but you still do anyway. I love your idea and I would totally shop in your boutique, knit with you and hang out. (This is Melissa – the one who just started ice skating again!) I love the vibe you are going for in your old gas station…
We live in an old home (1741) that was General Howe’s staff quarters during the Revolutionary War and I am in the process gathering inspiration for redecorating. Your blog is a great resource for me. Keep dreaming Edie and in doing so – you inspire all of us!!
xo
Your dream sounds wonderful and I bet you’ll make it happen someday when the time is just right! I have a dream also of saling my “redesigns” and collected beauties once or twice a year in a big ole “Barn Sale”! Just getting laid off has kicked that dream into high gear. Excited but quite nauseous at the same time!!! So thankful for a very smart, hardworking and supportive husband right now!!
Edie, please…do it!
Isn’t that what life is about? Living out our dreams!
Well, y’all sure make me want to keep dreaming!!
Name idea: “Southern Grace”
yay for dreams! hope you go for it!
as for shop names using some of your words, I thought of:
graces (or grace’s)
grace’s southern home
grace’s southern collectibles
southern grace for the home
hank’s place (though that kind of sounds like a bar, doesn’t it? heh)
good luck to everyone with their dreams!
kathy
OH, man I hadn’t thought of adding Hank to the name!!
Great ideas, Kathy!
xoxo
So many dreams. I have been fortunate to have more than a few come true. And then I start dreaming anew. Right now I want to be more diligent on bloggin to feed my love of writing that spans over several topics. Then I would like to have both an online shop and brick & mortar. I would also like to take the training of women in leadership beyond the women in my church. Working on that. So blessed.
Sounds wonderful, Linda!
Thank you for sharing.
xoxo
Edie, I love that you comment! There are a few who are big bloggers who never bother, not even a few times per posts. Might a well be reading a magazine! Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Edie – thank you so much for sharing your dreams! I have been a reader of your blog for quite awhile; I don’t think I have ever commented, but I love it! I have an extrememly similar dream and working on plans right now for my city in Alabama. I’m a rabid Anthropologie fan, want my store to have music, food/coffee, a floral shop and even yoga classes, meet ups, Desire Mapping, in the evenings. The name is even similar to my plan! I’ve put my dreams on hold for awhile, thinking I couldn’t take the money risk, what if I fail, etc., but I’m closer than ever to realizing this store. Good luck on the book, and I hope all your dreams become a reality for you!
Oh Edie…how I love you! I rarely comment…but I am always readind and lurking 🙂 I don’t have a name for your place…I will have to think on that but man oh man, I totally see it happening for you!! You help me dream big…problem is, I am THE least confident person in this world ;( We live on 30 acres and my dream is to have a lavender farm…and my hubby to have a cool old scotch distillery on our property…maybe a bed and breakfast when the boys move on to college (they are only 9 and 12!)…I sure hope all your dreams come true!!! Thanks for helping me to dream big! xoxo
My impractical dream is to have a blog. One about a forty-something with 3 kids who lines to cook and bake and try new fashions and who can NOT, for the life of her, make a decision about which new sofa to buy.
And I’d love to see your shop idea come to life. I’d make a special trip just to see it!
“Home of Southern Grace”
“Southern Grace at Home”
“Southern Sisters’ Station”
“Graceful Gatherings”
Oh my, I think you crawled into my dream! Seriously this is so close to the dream I’ve talked about off and on for the past 25 years. A table in the corner with a chess board set up and another with checkers. A shelf with games such as mancala, dominoes, chinese checkers, uno and other games to play. vintage toys on the shelves. books. a kitchen area where on a whim fresh cookies could be baked up (or available on the limited daily menu). a place where folks could feel free to come rest a while. a home away from home for the lonely. both young and old alike. music on quietly so that folks could have conversation. a gathering place. quirky decorations. artwork. funky craftiness such as mason jar sewing kits and small quirky quilting kits. hand crafts. cool papers. great smelling soap made by a local artisan. great bread! always always great bread to accompany small jars of jams and jellies made in the kitchen out back. an amazing space set aside where classes could be held to learn and teach old techniques (cooking and crafting and life skills) being led by those with more life experience especially geared to a younger generation in an effort to bridge the gap between the two. oh how i would love to work at your shop!!! (or maybe one day take the leap myself!)
Hi Edie! I love your entrepreneurial spirit and love of beauty! There is just such a shop similar to what you’re dreaming of here in little ol’ mid-Missouri. 🙂 Here’s her website, I thought you might like to “visit” and gain inspiration: http://somethingplume.com/
Best, Beth
Thanks for sharing, Beth!!
Looks awesome!
I would shop there, dream there, commune there at your space 🙂 Sounds very close to my dream one day….a bookstore/coffee shop/antique/vintage/repurposed shop slash bed and breakfast? All of that works together, right? 🙂
Edie, let me be the first to say I want to work for you in this shop! Sounds amazingly wonderful. A place to sip coffee, be inspired, soul-food, fellowship with sisters, home-goods kinds shop with the smells of something wonderful baking when you walk in. Did I get it right? Count me in!
1. A cup of Grace
2. House of Grace Boutique
3. South of Grace
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