Sigh . . .

Well, the 2008 Christmas season wasn't everything we'd hoped it would be. As you all know, the economy isn't doing too well, and in addition, we had a temp working with us while Marcus was on vacation (Robbie, pictured) who somehow managed to re-file all our inventory photos in the wrong places. So it was quite a job getting them back in order, and unfortunately, it didn't happen in time for us to get all our Christmas inventory added to the web store and to eBay. Needless to say, Robbie won't be staying on with us. It may have been a blessing in disguise, though, because our fellow eBay sellers tell us that it was a DISMAL season, the worst they've seen. So in retrospect, Robbie may have actually saved us some expense - it did take quite a bit of work to get the mess back in order, though.



Sapphire, our beloved CEO, took everything in stride. She tried to keep us light-hearted and unstressed by playing Santa Claus and treating us to Christmas carols while we worked. What a singer! We had no idea she was so talented. And we can say that she was, hands down, the best Santa ever! Thank you, Sapphire, for keeping us all merry during a stressful season!

Our plan, after the first of the year, is to get more of our
v-a-s-t inventory posted in the store and on eBay. We've got
some amazing items, both costume and fine jewelry, sitting in
boxes in the shop, waiting to be seen. We're hoping that the
economy will be improving in 2009 (we're counting on you, Mr.
President), and now that things are less chaotic, we'll be ready
for Valentine's Day and spring fever. Oh, spring - after this very
cold, snowy winter, we are so, so ready.

Well, that's it for this installment. Happy new year to all of you,
and our very best wishes for a wonderful 2009!

Warm regards,

==G=E=M==