What quote speaks to you?

Yesterday afternoon as I was sitting down to write the La Muse newsletter I was looking for inspiration. I started sifting through books looking for a story or quote that spoke to me. I was in the back of the store reading "Live Boldly" by Mary Anne Radmacher when the phone rang - it was BB Becker.

BB is a jewelry artist living in Colorado (we found that we have similar NY roots as he's originally from Coney Island). I first saw BB's jewelry over a year ago in the Mountain Laurel gallery in Berkeley Springs, WV. The gallery manager was kind enough to give me his contact information so that I would be able to inquire about bringing him into La Muse. As soon as I returned from the trip I called BB's office and found out that his line was already being carried in a gallery here in Old Town. As with all artists I represent BB sells to only one retail store per zip code - a policy that ensures unique products among retailers in each area. I asked his office manager to keep me in mind should circumstances change.

About a month ago I passed by the gallery here in town that carried BB's work and noticed that they had closed. I spoke with his office manager early last week and got everything I needed to place my first order. When BB called yesterday it was unexpected - he called to say hello, introduce himself and tell me a little about him, his life, his business, his family and his inspiration. BB's entire jewelry line is based in quotes and affirmations. He told me that he literally goes through thousands and thousands of quotes with his wife to decide which ones to give life to.

As we shared stories about our customers and how different quotes resonated with them, and with us, he shared a very poignant story about two sisters in Sarasota. It was shortly after their mother's death and they were both cleaning out her house when they came across a wooden box. They opened the box to find an envelope and two gift wrapped boxes, one with each of their names on it. Inside the envelope was a beautiful love letter written by a mother to her daughters - it told them how much she adored them and how very proud she was of both of them. Inside each gift wrapped box was an identical BB Becker bracelet that read "At one glance I loved you with a thousand hearts." -Mihri Hatun. Needless to say the ladies were extremely touched and called BB to let him know about their mom and the gifts. They also wanted to find out what store their mom may have purchased the bracelets at so they could go by and talk to the store owner and see if perhaps she might remember their mom. BB told me he was so happy to have been the conduit through which this mother left a final message to her daughters.

It's no coincidence that messages of hope, love, intrigue, humor and inspiration adorn almost every inch of space here at La Muse. It is because, at a very early age, I have looked to various quotes to help me stay focused in life. I remember being in high school and writing "Reach for the Stars" over and over again on everything I possibly could...and since about the age of 23 "Live with Gratitude" has been my daily mantra and remains at the forefront of my brain and heart. Each day I am at the store I look around and a particular quote will catch my eye to influence the day's activities.

I am grateful to be able to offer hundreds of different quotes in so many forms here at La Muse. My wish is that they help to inspire you in some way and bring a smile to your face. So, what quote speaks to you today? Perhaps we can help you find it at www.ShopLaMuse.com!

For an index of thousands of quotes Quotegarden.com is a wonderful resource.