wanted: summer shack

I like the way the topmost impatien appears to be looking out of my kitchen window. I'm starting to say goodbye to summer, as the word frost came up in yesterday's weather forecast.

Word's getting around that I'm closing the store at the end of the year, and I had quite a few visits this weekend from people who were sad about it. Some customers, but a surprising amount of other store owners. Lots of commiserating and brainstorming. I've figured out a few things.

1. Close the store when the waterfall turns to icicles.

Bearing in mind that it is a labor of love (meaning I'm not doing it to make money, but can't lose money) and that my weekday life is 240 miles away, if I reopen, I want it to be seasonal--May or June to November or December. 

2. Consider focusing almost exclusively on vintage art--my favorite thing to find, buy, and sell. 

3. I need to be enthusiastic and inspired. I'm not going to force this. Close the store at the end of the year. Go to auctions and pick up fun, inexpensive art and other things that make my heart flutter. Maybe reopen next summer if I can find a cheap summer shack with plenty of wall space. 

What do you think of this picture? It's a photograph of what looks to be a porcelain doll. Her expression is so poignant and lovely. She looks like a ballerina. I'm not a doll person, but find this picture moving. It's large--the frame is 23" x 30", which gives it power. She's semi-neglected, leaning against a wall in my foyer, auction sticker still on. Moved to the chair for me to take the picture, then back to the floor. Haven't taken her to the store because she doesn't quite fit. Or maybe I don't want to give her up?