Sunday, June 1, 2008

THEME DAY: Favorite Corner Store



Today is THEME DAY, and this month's theme is our favorite corner/neighborhood store.  Today also marks the first anniversary of the official closing of my store, Paper Moon. For that reason, I thought I would post it and show you a bit of the Moon.

When I opened Paper Moon in 1998, it was the first scrapbook store in Middle Tennessee.  We were not, however, just a scrapbook store.  We also sold rubber stamps (art), paper arts of all jewelry-making supplies, polymer clay, and more.  We offered classes in stamping, scrapping, bookmaking, papermaking, cardmaking, and more.  The night I opened the store, I joked that you could throw a beachball from the front to the back and not hit anything.  That changed over the years as my customer base grew and I was able to add more product.  The week before I announced that I was closing, the store was packed with displays and merchandise (above left).  Note the lime-green wall at the back of the photo.  That wall was not there when I first opened.  I added it in 1999 or 2000 when our classes became popular and we needed a separate classroom.

From the time I opened the store, we were very active in the community, both locally and globally.  The first year, customers donated over 800 handmade cards to Cards For Kids, an organization that sends a card a week to chronically ill children.  After 9-11, customers donated over 1100 cards to send to victims' families and to the volunteers working the site, and we sent cards to soldiers in Afghanistan
and Iraq, as well as to soldiers, children, and seniors in hospitals and nursing homes.  My customers donated almost 500 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank after Hurricane Katrina, and we collected over 100 pairs of shoes for victims of the tsunami.  We also regularly collected and donated paper art supplies to programs at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Alive Hospice (above), Gilda's Club, and various schools and organizations.  At holiday time, we collected and donated books for children, and food and necessities to the animal shelter. 

Out of everything that I did with the store, our involvement is what made me the most proud.  I don't mean to brag, but in 2005 and 2006, Paper Moon was awarded one of only 10 Scrapbook Retailer Awards by Scrabook Retailer Magazine, no doubt due to the fact that we were so involved in helping others.  I could not have done it without my great customers.

The world changed a lot in the nine years that Paper Moon existed.  In 1998, the internet was just a baby.  We were at peace (relatively speaking).  The US economy was relatively good. 

Unfortunately,  a number of things beyond our control had a huge negative impact on the US economy.  I made the difficult decision to close my store when the economic situation in this country started affecting my business.  While I was keeping my head above water, the stress was getting to be too much.  While it was a hard thing to do, closing Paper Moon was the right thing to do.  Gas, food, utility, etc. prices have continued to climb.  Today, people are more concerned with buying essentials and paying their bills than with buying discretionary items.

People always ask me if I miss the store.  I don't miss the store, but I do miss the great customers that I had.  Fortunately, a lot of them have kept in touch with me, and our friendships have continued to grow.

The two photos toward the bottom left and right are from the store's last few days.  The photo of my employee and good friend, Julia Holman, and me (Can you see the sadness on my face?)was taken just after we closed the door to the public for good last May.  And, the photo above right is of the store just before I walked out the door for the last time.  I took this photo from approximately the same place that I took the first photo on the left above.  

One final note:  I was pretty lost for a few weeks after I closed because, quite frankly, for nine years, I worked in the store six days/week.  I was researching something last July when I found Paris Daily Photo and then CDP.  They pulled me out of my funk, and the rest, as they say, is history.  ;-)

Sorry I'm so long-winded today!

There are about 175 CDP bloggers participating in Theme Day.  To visit others, just click on the appropriate link:


Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey by afyonblog, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Clare Unsworth, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gainesville (FL), USA by Leah, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by Chanin, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Los Angeles (CA), USA by Martha Perez, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Fotos. Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Urayasu, Japan by Zono, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

35 comments:

George Townboy said...

This is an awesome post Chris!! I had a customer that went through exactly the same thing as you - a small scrapbooking store in the area. The similarities are amazing. You definitely made the right decision, and looking back on your experience, I'm sure, is easier than if the decision had been made for you!!

Snoopy said...

As a Paper Moon customer, occasional employee, teacher, and friend I can assure everyone that Paper Moon was very much like the TV show Cheers. Chris always remembered your name! The classes were not "Arts and Crafts" but genuine works of Art. We became family over the years and my life is emptier without it. The store brought many like minded people together and gave us a creative outlet. Nothing was ever too hard and Chris was always there to demonstrate and explain any and all techniques. It really was one big, crazy family and Nashville is worse because Paper Moon no longer exists. Love Ya, Chris!

Andree said...

I am so sorry. I can understand you feeling lost there and I am glad blogging is helping (it helps my loneliness, too). I wish SOMEBODY would take control of this economy instead of just sending out cash to shut us up. People are in real trouble and just wait till the winter returns!

http://meeyauw-pad.blogspot.com/2008/05/city-daily-photo-theme-daymy-corner.html

Jim Klenke said...

Looks like it was a wonderful store, but glad you found CDP. Thanks for sharing the story.

USelaine said...

That's a wonderful, wonderful post! I'm so glad you took the opportunity to tell the story.

brian stout said...

great story and post, chris. i worry about that 'lost' feeling when i leave my current job of 12 years - but i know this was even more difficult to you, since it was your 'baby'!

Anonymous said...

Well, this corner store has a story that was interesting too. I like to read about people in business because we were in business, at home, and loved it. Sold it to a...

well there I go. I made a television series when I sold it and the rest is history. LOL

Nice post. I thoroughly enjoyed it Chris.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Before I even read anymore posts I know this is going to be my favourite for the theme today. Heartfelt, honest and poignant, not at all longwinded. A truly wonderful post from start to finish. You can at least look back in years to come and say I made a difference. The words Paper Moon will always stir up images of a little place that I would love to have shopped in.

Kate said...

Hi Chris! This is a unique post for theme day. Appreciated the background information. You were a very busy lady for a significant number of years and I'm glad that you were there to help in all those crises! You deserve a rest!!

Tanya Breese said...

The Paper Moon would have been one of my favorite stores for sure! How wonderful that you were so involved with the community and even stretched further to help people in need.
The last photo looks so sad :(
Nice post!

Chuck Pefley said...

Chris, no apology needed, nor in fact even wanted. A wonderful post and perfect way to celebrate a memory with your new community. Very sorry for your loss but so happy to hear CDPB has been helpful providing a new purpose and direction. Thanks for the story. ~Chuck

Janet said...

Aw Chris, this post reminds me of how Kathleen felt about closing The Shop Around the Corner in "You've Got Mail." I would have loved to visit your store. Excellent post and so glad you found the CDPB.

Ham said...

What a story, thanks for it. The photos are the perfect punctuation. What is the store now? In our local high street most of the interesting shops have turned into restaurants or coffee bars

Ming the Merciless said...

Chris, thank you for sharing Paper Moon's story and photos with us. It sounded like a great enterprise and a socially conscious one too. It is so admirable - to be able to run a business and also use it to make a difference. Bravo!!

To respond to your question about the triangle building in NYC, it is called the Flatiron Building. There are a dozen or so triangle buildings but the Flatiron is probably the biggest ad most famous one.

yoshi said...

What a sad story! Your scrapbook shop seemed to be a paradise!

Knoxville Girl said...

Chris, you just speak your truth no matter how many words it takes, we're listening - thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us. You have made a positive difference in the lives of people you may never meet in your community and beyond - and now on CDPB!
Thanks for visiting my blog yesterday - yeah, it's stinky humid in Knoxville, bleah.

Jen said...

Great post. I think I actually was in your store once! I loved scrapbooking once upone a time. Now mostly done digital for me. Yes indeed the world has changed. Great post though.

Denton said...

Your last photo brought tears to my eyes.

You are right that discretionary spending is way down so undoubtedly you made the right choice. I'm so glad City Daily Photo has helped in the transition.

In a small way I think photos such as yours and others from around the world help humanize our different cultures. Our efforts bring the world a little closer together every day.

Denton from Greenville and the Daily Photo Map.

Kim said...

Dear Chris, This is just the most excellent of excellent posts. I'm sure most of us can relate because we've had fave business we try to patronize and have built community around and with. The life of a shop owner is hardworking and rewarding and full of challenges. I'm thinking you must feel great satisfaction in creating space, goods, and services around which people with common interests can come together. Supplying their needs and educating them in the art forms, and building friendships as you went must have been so rewarding. That last photo speaks volumes. I'm so glad your involvement in the CDPB community was helpful during a time of change for you. Sometimes I wonder if Eric gets how much PDP's starting ripples have affected so many people in significant ways. Thanks for this great post!
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo

Halcyon said...

There is no better corner store than your own! :)

Thanks for sharing a little bit of your history. I love hearing about other people's lives. And I always enjoy getting to know Nashville through your pictures and posts.

USelaine said...

Hi again, Chris! You asked where Willits is - we are about 500 miles north of Los Angeles, and about 120 miles north of San Francisco. Thanks for asking! 8^)

Clueless in Boston said...

Great post Chris. Your feelings of loss is understandable after nine years of hard work and on a labor of love. Blogging and photographing can be wonderfully therapeutic and fun too.

crittoria said...

Great post today! I'm pleased to learn all about your shop. Sounds like it was a really fun place to work and play! ;-)

Aubrey said...

What a beautiful and eloquent post. Thank you for sharing such a personal story. And I'm so glad you found your way to the DP world.

Mo said...

Awesome post Chris, loved all the shots. Sorry it had to end. I always try to look at life as an adventure, now you're moving on to your next big adventure.

magiceye said...

beautiful post.....

Olivier said...

c'est un très beau post. je trouve que ton magasin était superbe (ton enseigne était vraiment tres belle). Je suis désolè de savoir que tu as été oblige de fermer.

it's a nice post. I find that your store was superb (your teaching was really very beautiful). I am désolè to know that you have been forced to close.

Parisian Heart said...

I am sure I would have enjoyed Paper Moon, both for its product and its friendly ambience. It is so nice to have a store with a "community" feel to it. Bookstar, where I used to work, was like that in many ways, and both the staff and the clientele were so sad when it closed due to the property owner allowing a developer to come in. How lovely that you can keep a memory of Paper Moon alive here on CDP and that you have found a new (and far-reaching!) outlet for your creativity!

smilnsigh said...

A wonderful and long running memory for you. And you did much good, while making that memory. I'm sorry that it could no longer continue, due to many reasons, beyond your control. The ebb and flow of so many intersecting events and causes and happenings... -sigh-

I am reminded of the film 'You've Got Mail.' It was the oft told story of 'The Little Shop Around The Corner.' A small and lovely business, which had to close...

I'm so happy you found something to latch onto and bring you up from the depths... CDPB. A wonderful testimonial to it...

Mari-Nanci
photos-City-Mine

Anonymous said...

Chris, este post está fantástico.
E que bela loja era a tua com todas aquelas preciosidades e iniciativas.

ptowngirl said...

I'm sorry to hear you had to close your shop, but I'm glad it doesn't seem that you have regrets. You did wonderful things in the community, and should be quite proud of that. Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm glad you found CDP as well!

ptowngirl
HamptonRoadsDailyPhoto.com

lv2scpbk said...

It's too bad that alot of scrapbook stores close. I love doing scrapbooking and have been for about 8 yrs now. Do you still scrapbook. I take photos of everything for my grandsons book. He already has two 12x12 albums stuffed full and he's only 5 yrs old. Do you go to all day crops? I go to a couple that are 8 hours and the other one is 12 hours long.

Jilly said...

Am really sorry you had to eventually close. You obviously loved your business but obviously it was the right thing to do. Love the photos as well as your explanation of it all.

Carlos Lorenzo said...

It has been extremely nice for me to read and to know about this passage in your life. I had no idea. Now I remember our conversation about US economy and realize a lot of things. I feel admiration for your work and I am proud of being your friend. Thanks for sharing all this.

Sarah said...

Paper Moon is missed, but you definately have a gift for NDP!