Hey Ya’ll from Dogwood Creek!
Here I sit on the porch of our home—Dogwood Creek in Happy Valley—watching the snow and ice slowly melt. The first snow of winter always brings a profound, magical silence that transforms the hills into a peaceful, white-blanketed wonderland.
The grandkids have certainly made the most of their sleds these past two weeks! You can still see their tracks zigzagging across the slopes, a joyful reminder of winter’s simple pleasures.
Based on this season’s forecasts, it looks like winter in East Tennessee is shaping up to be a wild ride! We can expect big swings in weather—bursts of Arctic air, snow in the higher elevations, and plenty of those “old-fashioned” wintry mix events. This week’s wetter-than-normal conditions are just a preview—lots of sleet, freezing rain, and slushy snow rather than a pure snowfall.
Why the Weather Talk?
Well, because the weather affects our little world here at The Shoppes at Homespun. We’ve already had to close a few days due to “inclement weather,” and I suspect there will be more before spring truly takes hold.
January through March are always our slower months—it’s a tough stretch for small businesses and vendors. Add in these weather days, and it can be hard for some to even cover rent.
So now, more than ever, is the perfect time to shop small and local—not just with us (though we’d sure love to see you!), but with all the small businesses in our community.
I saw that Art of Cakes Bakery, just a mile down the road from the Shoppes, has been struggling with cancellations and low foot traffic due to the weather. If you can, stop by and grab a cupcake—or two! Every little bit helps these wonderful local folks keep their ovens warm and their doors open.
News from the Shoppes
If you’ve visited recently, you might have noticed our new point-of-sale system! We’ve spent this quiet time installing new barcodes and updating our checkout process. It’s a bit of an adjustment—so if you see us looking a touch confused behind the counter, just know we’re learning and laughing our way through it. In the long run, it’ll help us serve you faster and keep better track of what you love most.
And while the world outside is still frosty, inside the Shoppes spring is already peeking through! You’ll find Valentine’s treats, Easter bunnies, and bright floral décor starting to bloom throughout. More goodies will be arriving in the coming weeks as we prepare to welcome the new season.
Transitions All Around
The Shoppes are in transition, the seasons are in transition—and maybe we are, too. There’s something about freshly fallen snow that feels like a clean slate. Quiet. Peaceful. Pure.
As winter slowly loosens its grip, here’s to fresh tracks, new beginnings, and many fireside evenings shared with loved ones.
We appreciate each and every one of you who continues to support small businesses and this little community of ours.
With love and gratitude,
Bev