Way to Go! And, not so much . . . .

A great big shout-out to MJC Copy and Stationery (in wonderful Coupeville, Washington) for featuring Bean Up The Nose Art products in their display last weekend at Whidbey Island's business fair.  Along with fabulous Copy Connection (in Emeryville, California), MJC re-prints our collage pieces into all the products.  (Which you can buy on-line.  Hint.  Hint.)

And we're delighted at the opening of Ebey Bowl (also in wonderful Coupeville, Washington):

which is kind of a "Little Bowling Alley on the Prairie":

Why, you ask, the delight in this establishment?  Because brother and sister owners Matt and Mimi exemplify our favorite  "why-don't-I-stick-a-bean-up-my-nose?!?!?" spirit . . . that terrific blend of curiosity, energy, and crazy bravery that says, "Let's do it and see what happens!!!!"

Would experts say that anyone should open a six-lane bowling alley on an island in the middle of a recession?  You know the answer.  Did Matt and Mimi listen?  NOPE.  Instead, they charged right ahead and opened -- at 10:oo a.m., on 10/10/10 -- their gem of an establishment:

complete with pool table, retro video and pinball games, a full and delicious restaurant menu, and even this little dude:

Congratulations, Matt and Mimi!  You've gone some (bowling) balls of steel.  And we wish you all the best.

And now, in the  "not so much" department . . . . we are sad to report this . . . but, to close a circle that was opened here a few weeks ago . . . we're passing along the following unfortunate information.  Ready?  Okay.  

A certain public radio station (which will here remain nameless . . . but if you scroll down a few entries, you'll be able to connect the dots) did not air the pledge challenge last Sunday at noon during "The Vinyl Cafe" that Bean Up The Nose Art committed to.  In their response to our polite e-mail asking why, the unlucky public radio station employee caught in the middle said all she knew was that it was pulled at the last minute.  And no one else from the certain-public-radio-station has yet posted or called saying why for sure (or, "Sorry we shined on your $1,000 potential gift").  Seemed to those listening that we were yanked because a better "thank you for pledging" gift was offered, instead.  Bummer.  

That kind of thing is quite disappointing.  And just the reason we find cheer -- and in turn cheer for -- exuberant, risk-taking, can-do little places like Ebey's Bowl.    Go, Ebey's Bowl!!!!

Brick & Mortar Friends: Avatar Community Business Center

This is a post of outright love for the folks at:

in Fairfax, California.  Most specifically, for owner and founder Toni (who, characteristically, is not in the photos because she is busy helping other people).  With her husband Ralph, Toni opened Avatar nine years ago.  Toni had her own graphic design studio for 20 years, and saw the community's need here for a business center -- a place that was "all the spokes of the wheel" . . . where business folks could do everything from getting copies made and papers notarized, to buying office supplies, to having graphics made and final products mailed out.  And that is what they do.  

If you live in Fairfax or the San Geronimo Valley, you know what Avatar provides -- and that if Toni and Ralph were not doing this, we'd all have to drive a heck of a lot farther to find all of these products and services.  (And they are great supporters of community events and groups, to boot. ) 

And Bean Up The Nose Art will be eternally grateful for Toni's support and encouragement -- as the very first brick & mortar owner who said, "Yes! I love your work!" and placed an order.  And repeat orders.  And her tips and suggestions about art, marketing, and business mirror the overall generosity she shows to the community at large.  In short, she is one fabulous woman.

A big old virtual hug and THANK YOU to you, Toni, and everyone at Avatar.

Road Trip

There're a lot of fun things about being the owner/artist (marketer/bookkeeper/shipper/secretary . . . .) of Bean Up The Nose Art.  One of the most delightful is getting to go on marketing road trips.  Here are how they work:

1)  Get in your silver Saturn Vue, with its "BE WHAT YOU ARE" license plate. 

2.  Make sure to take your great road trip dog, Gracie, with you.

3.  Bring your spiffy little marketing box full of sample goodies.

4.  Caffeinate yourself.  The Pacific Northwest is blessedly full of these kinds of drive-through coffee stands.  It is hard to believe that California does not have more of them.  A shout-out here to fabulous Java Hut in Fairfax and Petaluma . . . bringing them to the Bay Area.  Another shout out to the fabulous woman who worked at this particular stand -- who, when they ran out of dog treats (a key component of drive-through coffee stands . . . caffeine for you, and a treat for your dog), brought her own from home to give out to customers.  Now that's service!

   

5.  Drive to picturesque towns.  This trip, we hit a lot of spots in western Washington . . . including historic downtown Snohomish:

 

6.  Find the super cute store in town and show them your stuff.  (No photos here yet . . . that's a separate blog spot to come later.)  

7.  Stop along the way at parks and enjoy the autumn.

What's not to love about this job?!?!?!