In June 2008, we added a beautiful line, Thistle Farms, to our store.

Thistle Farms is a non-profit business operated by the women of Magdalene. By hand, the women create natural bath and body products that are as kind to the environment as they are to the body. Into every product goes the belief that freedom starts with healing, and love can change lives. All sales support the residents of Magdalene, a two-year residential community founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1997 for women with a history of prostitution and drug addiction. The name, "Thistle Farms," references the thistles, considered weeds, that grow in the cracks of pavement on the streets and alleys where the women of Magdalene once walked. However, the name also references the under-appreciated qualities of thistles-- they have a deep tap root that can shoot through tick concrete and survive drought. And in spite of their prickly appearance, their royal and soft purple center makes the thistle a mysterious and gorgeous flower. For more information, look for the book written by the Women of Magdalene with founder Becca Stevens, titled Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart (Abingdon Press, not yet released). Check out the products we carry (below) !

                                              Lip Balm,                                                            Lotion,                                                      and Candles, too!

OTHER BELOVED ITEMS (Stock Varies)

Handstitched stoles from Gospel Colors in Kansas City, MO. We were treated to a personal trunk show, and selected a grouping of beautiful stoles in a wide variety of colors and patterns. All under $200. COME AND SEE!

New shipment of beautiful Kathy Bransfield jewelry.

Autumn: The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Harvest-time and falling leaves, red and gold in the landscape.

Part of a four-season series from Ireland's Wild Goose Studio.

Buddha, intricately carved atop a lotus flower. Made in Indonesia.

Our collection of fair trade gifts from World of Good includes these bags, purses, and totes handcrafted by artisan groups, cooperatives, NGOs, and non-profits in developing countries around the world..

New candles and soaps from One Rèspe, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic. Trabajo solidario en favor de nuestras escuelas comunitarias y para el acompañamiento de personas VIH+. Working together to improve community schools and to support persons who are HIV positive.

Ornaments by Marva Sheriff (Credo Designs)

To celebrate the arrival of Spring and the gardening season, we are delighted to offer heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. Seed Savers is a non-profit organization that saves and shares the heirloom seeds of our garden heritage, forming a living legacy that can be passed down through generations. Their organization is saving the world's diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations by building a network of people committed to collecting, conserving and sharing heirloom seeds and plants, while educating people about the value of genetic and cultural diversity. When we grow and save seeds, we join in an ancient tradition as stewards, nurturing our diverse, fragile genetic and cultural heritage.

May the harvests from your gardens be bountiful, and may the vegetables, flowers, and herbs that grace your tables and your homes bring you peace, feed your family and friends, and nurture your soul!

Heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange
$2.50/packet