Five Years...

It's hard to believe that it has been five years since we opened Allegory Gallery.  We had always dreamed of opening a store, someday but we didn't really think it would happen until much later.  And then one evening, the stars aligned and we were presented with an opportunity and we jumped in!  I remember showing up with my tape measure the next day.  It's one heck of a ride!  We've definitely had our ups and downs, sometimes questioning if this was the right path, but in the end we always come to the conclusion that we couldn't really imagine our lives any other way.  Mostly this is due to all the amazing people we've met over the years.  We are fortunate enough to have an amazing support system of loyal friends and patrons and we have achieved so much because of all of them.  We have a beautiful life, built little by little, bead by bead, and it is all because of all the wonderful people who have believed in us and our little dream.

And I thank you for that.  I can't really express the amount of gratitude I have.  My heart bursts with it.  It overflows with thankfulness and appreciation.

I try to think back over the five years and it seems like a blur.  Part of me feels like it was only yesterday and the other part feels like it has always been and has never been any other way.  We've squeezed a lot into the five years that we've been open.  We've had dozens of art shows, featuring artists and artwork from all over the world.  We've had classes that have brought people in from all over the country.  We've collected and offered treasures from the furthest continents and by makers who lived thousands of years ago.  We've sent out thousands of packages all over the world and have been in contact with thousands of people on a daily basis.  Some of those people have already walked through our door and live around the corner... and some of them only experience things vicariously and through the magic of the internet.  I would like to think that we are making a difference.  That we're not just here to sell things, but that we have contributed to the community and enriched the lives of those around us.  I would like to think that we've added beauty to this world and inspired others and hopefully encouraged others to reach for their dreams and make them a reality.

Here are some photos from our journey:

And here's to many more...