I wanted to thank new and returning clients for their patronage this weekend as I participated for the first time at Valhalla's three day Holiday Faire in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, CA. It was a fun event to start the holidays: the beautiful Christmas tree and fire in the fireplace really helped set the mood. Santa even stopped by to the delight of visiting children. Hot, mulled wine and other beverages were offered to shoppers as they meandered through the spacious Grand Hall looking for the perfect gift from an assortment of different vendors. Guests were also treated to a spectacular jazz performance from the Oakland Jazz Choir on Saturday night and then the Lake Tahoe Choral Association's Children's Choir on Sunday afternoon, both in the beautiful and historic Valhalla Boathouse. It was a magical weekend.
I also wanted to thank all visitors to my booth for their generosity in helping send love and support to the animal victims of the Paradise Fire in Northern California. Like so many of us, I felt helpless and wanted to do something to care for those who lost so much in the devastating fire. A friend of mine who is a horseman in the Carson Valley sent information about the North Valley Animal Disaster Group, an organization in Chico, CA that desperately needs help. As you may already know from a previous blog post, I am now certified to grow and sell lavender. With some dried lavender from a fall bloom, we shared lavender sachets on Saturday and Sunday with those who made a donation. Visitors gladly gave to the cause over the weekend. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over one hundred dollars for the animals. As promised, I will be matching monies raised and will be sending a check to the organization for $250 today. Every little bit counts, and we can all help. If you would like to donate to this organization, please click over to my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerofprovence) and donate there through the link provided. I have set up a Donation page on the post about the lavender sachets. Of course, you can donate to any organization you'd like. As a horse, dog, cat, and sheep owner, I wanted to help with an organization that has worked tirelessly to help these voiceless victims - Thank you again to each of you who gave so generously!