the art of living

Happy 2014!
How can I possibly be writing you this letter with greetings for the start of yet another year? How is it that 2013
has possibly come and gone so quickly? Doesn’t it seem like just a short time ago we were ringing in 2013 with
new hopes and aspirations? Yes, I realize I am getting older and I do recall as a child hearing my grandparents
talk about how much faster each year seemed to pass, but really I don’t think they saw time move as fast as it
seems to now. And, let’s face it, there are still the exact amount of hours in each day and days in each year, so
how is that it really does feel this way? With all that we have at our fingertips, our world today makes it too easy
for us to stay on the treadmill of life 24/7. In so doing, I think each minute blends into each hour, hour to day and
day to week and before we know it, we have moved at what feels like lightning speed through 365 more days! I don’t know about you, but this is
how my 2013 has been. As I have begun to think about this letter and my plans for 2014, making the best use of my time, while stopping to
enjoy the moments seems to be top of mind.
We have experienced another record year of achievement here at jdouglas and several of our reps have reached new highs in their
respective territories. Greg Lewis, our representative for the West Coast and Central region of Florida, is a finalist for the prestigious ARTS
Award, which will be presented in Dallas on January 18. This is especially gratifying to me, as Greg and I have worked together for over 21 years
and have, basically, grown up together, sharing in so many moments, both highs and lows. As well, several of our manufacturers are finalists, too,
and I am looking forward to being with them on this special evening of recognition. There is so much to be grateful for and much to anticipate!
In November, several of us from jdouglas were part of a trip to Maui, sponsored by one of our vendors as a reward for top sales which included
representatives from across the country. It was so nice to be with friends that I have developed over the years in the industry, in a beautiful setting
with time to really visit and learn more about each other, rather than just passing in the halls of market every three months, chatting briefly and
running off to our next meeting! We even had time to do yoga each morning together! In the past 30 days I have experienced two very significant
events in my life, the launch of a retail store and a milestone birthday, shared with family and friends, and I wouldn’t trade those moments for
anything in the world. There are so many other great things that I could share with you but, as always, it has not all been perfect and glamorous.
There has also been loss, as two of my very dear friends passed away after valiant battles with cancer. This too was a great reminder to me that
life is fleeting and that we really do have to cherish each day, but specifically the moments!
when I am consistent, I find that there is a laser focus on all other things. Many people actually refer to the new year as a book that we are starting to
write or, at least, a chapter in our book of life.
So, why not put those words into action and begin to journal about some of the following: What would you like to attract into your life this year? What
particular area of growth do you want to place your focus? What character defects would you like to release? What do you want your volume of
business to be this year? What would you like to attain, big or small? Where do you want to travel? What problems do you want to get resolved?
In what way do you wish to approach your business differently this year? What new category of business would you like to add to your mix? What
resources are you going to tap into for the first time or which ones are you going to delve into deeper? What can you do to enrich others’ lives? How
can you help the community in which you live? There are endless questions that you might consider as your mind spins!
You will note that many of the examples of questions I presented to you begin with the word, “what?”. Last week, a dear, dear friend addressed the
jdouglas team as part of my fabulous surprise birthday celebration. She talked about how in almost every circumstance, there are three questions
that arise…. “What?”, “How?” and “Why?”. The first two are the easy ones, when you really think about it and those are the ones we quickly rush
to answer, but Joanna challenged us to think each time of “why?”. Why do you want your volume of business to grow? Why are you waiting to
help the community in which you live? Why do you want to release a character defect? Why do you want a new category of business... and on
and on, why?
So, as I begin to make my list of goals for 2014, I kept thinking about why I wanted these things and I noticed a shift. The things that I could
unequivocally answer “why” to were the ones I am most passionate about and the ones that ultimately benefit many more people
than just me. I see that by approaching with this question first, I have great clarity in how I want to use my time and that if applied
consistently, I might actually have the time this year to slow down and savor more moments in my life that are the most meaningful
and not feel that I am fighting the clock.
I encourage you to first of all put your thoughts on paper and then ask yourself “why” as you dig deep into your mind to see what
you would like to have happen in 2014. I think that by doing this, you are affirming that you are genuinely interested in
experiencing life at its fullest in the year ahead.
the art of li v ing
Many of you know that I journal avidly, writing constantly about what I want to accomplish, bringing the dreams in my head to paper, regularly
referring back to these pages to keep my eyes focused on where I want to head and tweaking as these ideas lead to new and even bigger ones.
I have seen for years the power that is in the words that I write, as I believe getting them from mental picture to paper gives them a life of
their own and enhances the process of evolvement. When I am at my worst, I usually realize that I have slowed in my journaling; and likewise,
I hope you will have this experience and that you can reflect back a year from now and in the words of a favorite quote, realize
how it feels to “Enjoy the gift of an ordinary day.” All the best to you and yours in 2014!
Best,
Abigails strives to source the finest quality products by traveling to the markets of
Europe and maintaining strong relationships with its factories and craftsmen. Since 1984,
Abigails’ line of tabletop, decorative accessories, textiles, furniture & garden accessories
has grown to become a favorite of fine gift retailers, florist and event planners nationwide.
Arteriors specializes in lighting, furniture and accessories that
appeal to design lovers with up-to-date sensibilities. The company
produces a wide spectrum of styles in luxury materials and finishes.
BSC is a family-owned and operated business with more than 50 years of
experience in the furniture industry. BSC has built a solid reputation that is
proud of the tailoring, quality and attention to detail crafted into each piece of
furniture. All frames are constructed by hand in Los Angeles, California.
The Bungalow5 team produces unique and stylish pieces using
unusual materials. The hallmark of a Bungalow5 piece is that it
always feels comfortably familiar, yet strikingly fresh.
Furniture manufactured the old fashioned way, by hand, in the U.S.
Many of our designs incorporate recycled lumber that adds to the hand
finished characteristics of each piece. We build furniture that lasts for
generations to come.
We design, build and import our unique and ever growing collection
of home furnishings. Emphasizing natural, simple and classic designs,
we take great pride in what we do and we hope that you will enjoy our
products for many years to come.
With over 50 years as leaders in the design and import of
decorative home accessories and gifts for the home, DESSAU
HOME takes great pride in presenting our newest collection of
timeless treasures.
E. Lawrence, Ltd. transforms ordinary hardbound books
into classic works of art. Each design is printed on
handmade paper and bound by hand in Atlanta, GA.
Emissary’s commitment lies with providing the best
combination of style, color, and function for the home
and garden.
Gallery Designs has a 65 year tradition of introducing fashionforward lighting produced in the United States with a flair like
no other!
“You could say that everything I design is meant to have an old
hacienda feel. Every object has a warmth to it.”
Lacefield takes an artistic approach to lifestyle décor with
perfectly eclectic textiles, pillows and drapery panels. Made in
the USA.
At Pigeon & Poodle, we believe the details of a home are just as important
as the furniture that fills your rooms. From bath accessories to barware
to desk accoutrement, we funnel our passion for the little things into
thoughtful design, creating fine home accessories you’re sure to cherish.
Worlds Away has a distinct line of home furnishings, lighting
and accessories that lends a touch of glamour and sophistication
to any interior.
SHANNON KOSZYK
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD
Seattle-based jewelry
designer, Shannon
Koszyk’s work is weighty,
timeless and inspired by
a history filled with Paris
flea markets, antique
coins and rock crystal
chandeliers.
Hazen Jewelry offers an eclectic collection
of feminine jewelry inspired by founder,
Taylor Miller’s surroundings and keen eye
for color. Her work embodies the creative
spirit of the women who wear her pieces.
Sales Associates
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Article 14
The General Muir
The Optimist
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Gunshow
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