Feeling February's final breath with whispers of hope...
Sometimes Portland delivers psychic kisses by way of natural beauty and charming small businesses. Yesterday was a quintessential February moment in Portland (as an unseasonably sunny and blooming surprise)! It was the eve of the first economic blackout day and tiny purple flowers seemed to sing out from the ground along with the birds. The moment sent me down a rabbit hole of considerations.
My path has changed since opening Verum's newest location. In this hamlet of a city where nature graces the streets at every turn; it's easy to take this for granted and walk by without realizing the tenuous position these gifts occupy. The delicate balance of these mini ecosystems echoes the fragility of small businesses (in the current economic climate).
On my new route to my new location, I frequent small businesses (that are new to me). Every week I shop at 2 local grocery stores. I have tried countless coffee shops and eateries along Hawthorne. I recommend places to gallery clients. It feels good that my presence (albeit small) has some impact for other small business owners. And still, I am like the tiniest little spring crocus (fragile and fleeting).
I have new small business neighbors that have built energy and influence from the ground up and I feel fortunate to be a part of this organically grown community of caring creatives.
If you are able to support a small business in any way, I encourage you to do so.
Every dollar spent at a small business goes much farther and helps the community much more than a dollar spent at the big-box companies (that cast shadows of pollution in every corner of the globe). It's not an easy choice, but it's an important one and I thank you for considering it.
At Verum Ultimum, the current exhibition, "TREE: Breath Of Humanity" is a forest of inspiration. And art lasts beyond an individual's lifetime...it comes with legacy.
Click image below to SHOP the TREE Exhibition Collection
(image shown is, "Remnants" by Jillian Ballas)
