So what do I mean by Hallmark Moments? They are the little pieces, happenings, and well, moments, that make up a Hallmark movie. Please tell me I am not the only one who enjoys a Hallmark Movie! The predictable plots, the humor, and in the end, the guy and girl get each other! Who could ask for more?!
Sometimes I joke with my sister that our lives are made up of Hallmark moments. Seriously, some of the things that happen could be pulled straight from a predictable Hallmark movie. For instance, one time we were set up selling at a local event and a guy got down on one knee to propose to his girl right beside our booth! Hallmark moment!
Even now our shop location would totally be found in a Hallmark movie. Let me take you back through some particularly striking Hallmark moments!
A Christmas Shop
It all starts beside a Christmas shop. Now I don’t know about you, but I have never really heard of Christmas shops other than this one. The entire shop is devoted to all things ornaments, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, angels, and the like. Floor to ceiling. Year round. Warm weather or cold weather. Always everything Christmas. Now doesn’t that sound like something out of a Hallmark movie?! I think so!
I first walked into the shop approximately fifteen years back. This was during my first entrepreneurial effort – selling old time radio shows on CD. I visited several of the downtown shops asking if they would be interested in carrying the CDs. Some said yes, while others said no. The Christmas shop said no (which is completely fine – to be honest, I am amazed that any shops said yes!).
Though there is more to that story, let me just wrap it up here. The point I am drawing on is this:
Two sisters run and own a lovely boutique in a small town right next to a year round Christmas shop.
Sounds like the perfect recipe for a Hallmark, right? (Sadly, as of writing this, the Christmas shop has been closed a few years now.)
Where the Lowcountry Gets Engaged
Just a few doors down from us is a jewelry store with the slogan “Where the Lowcountry Gets Engaged”. And to walk in, you certainly don’t blame said Lowcountry for getting engaged – everything is gorgeous!
The owners are the nicest and were so welcoming when we first came to the street. Their store has been around for close to fifty years and is a family business. We often get a piece of jewelry repaired or they will pop into our shop just to visit and catch up a little. It really is nice to be a part of the downtown!
If you’re ever passing through on I-95, stop by Walterboro and visit our downtown. We have an enviable element of small town charm, straight out of a Hallmark.
Picture Perfect Decor
Come holidays you will find picture perfect decor down Main Street. For instance, it’s almost Christmas and the street is decorated with wreaths and garlands. It is truly picturesque and charming!
For Veteran’s Day or July 4th, the firefighters go through and put out beautiful American flags. It just makes town feel so All-American!
But before I sell you on the idea that we are perfect, let me add that we are working on improving. There are a lot of areas that need work and renovations.
The lights along the tops of the buildings were a lovely idea, but have now fallen into disrepair. The fence around the waterfall has rusted and been replaced with caution tape. So many of the storefronts that once housed shops and businesses are now closed. But the exciting thing is, we’re on the way back! Little by little, the town is working on attracting new business and making improvements to what it has.
Not to sound cliche, but it is the ultimate Hallmark moment – together we are going to bring the town back!
Personal Responsibility
I can’t help but think everyone benefits when we each take personal responsibility. One way that is done is by being an active member of your community. Showing up for meetings that effect the area your business is in is a good start. Building relationships and helping others around you is another good thing to do.
Anyone can complain about what’s going on, but have you actually done anything? Have you made alternate suggestions or even learned why some things are done the way they are? As a people, I think it is easy to get lazy and let others handle things. But that’s hardly being a responsible member of society! Step up, get involved, and seek to help others!
Christ taught us to love the Lord our God and our neighbor as ourself. I am convinced that loving your neighbor applies to wherever God has you in life. Be it the neighbor at your home address or the neighbor to your work location. Seek to encourage others and be a blessing – that will lead to something far more rewarding and endearing than the best Hallmark has to offer!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. When I reference Hallmark movies, I’m referring to Hallmark’s before they started adding perverted elements to them. The “classic” Hallmark’s such as Lost Valentine, Magic of Ordinary Days, How to Fall in Love, etc. Read about one of my favorite: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2019/10/02/all-of-my-heart/