June 2010

• The 'If' Word
  - Editorial
• Entertainment Ready
  - The biggest change to our outdoor settings is colour
• Stimulating the Senses and Keeping it Real
  - Bath and body speak that won't leave you dizzy
• Hooked on Christmas
  - The silly season's stationery trends are wrapped up in traditional Christmas themes this year
• Feel Good this Father's Day
  - Men are notoriously hard to buy for – just ask any woman.
• Buy, Buy . . . Bye?
  - Getting ready to stock up for Christmas has a pre-festive warning for you

The 'If' Word

The other day I got around to hanging up a few pictures and paintings I'd had resting against walls for some time. One handwritten, framed poem – ‘If' by Rudyard Kipling – I hung in the lavatory above the basin (a great place to conduct snippets of inspirational reading). This piece is particularly special to me as my husband's grandfather, who's well into his 90's, carefully and cleverly handwrote it himself. Having read the poem many times now I feel not only an emotional pull to its writer but to the simple yet profound messages it sends forward. There are simply some things that we can hear or read time and time again and still experience the same tugs of emotion. And there are simply some moments in life when words such as those below serve us better than any other time – namely when many of us, in some way or another are still crossing a recessional checker-board.

“ . . . Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss: . . .”

You may very well be wondering why this poem, a lavatory reading and more recessional talk has to do with anything in particular – however, there is a method to my madness. I have played witness to three marvellous acts of kindness and gratuity from gift businesses in the past month. Each occasion really hit home to me as it's so wonderful being involved with such strong and generous Kiwis, who are still holding their heads high, and moving their businesses forward with a smile and positivity – despite recessional kick-backs.

So, in short, a special thanks to Dawn and Rae of Out Deco – I'm sorry for the squashed pig, he'll rest in peace in my garden.

To Fiona and Liz from Kio Kio, congratulations on your new overseas venture – and a special thanks for donating next month's prize giveaway. And lastly, to Victoria of Scenario of Devonport, thank you for your special note and I hope your baskets are still bringing in the customers.

If I had more time I'd personally handwrite a copy of ‘If' for each of you! Many of you will be gearing up to travel down to the Winter Gift Fair in Christchurch. I wish you all safe travelling and happy buying. Don't forget to take your copy of GiftBuyer to read on the plane, our ‘Buying Tips' feature might just serve you well.

Lastly, a special goodbye and good luck to the lovely Geraldine Plowright. Geraldine is sadly leaving us and returning to the university campus. We all wish you the best for your studies.

Until next time,
Dyani

Dyani Ellwood