Today was threatening to be just another ho-hum pre-Christmas Saturday full of mild ennui and holiday despair. I was considering going tanning to lift my flagging spirits (for medical reasons, you see) when I happened to stumble across a creative Shangri La* right here in my little town of Mill Valley.
I needed some craft supplies and did a quick Google search for the closest art store. The search returned an address I drive by almost every day. Curious how an art supply store could exist—unbeknownst to me—under my very nose, I drove over there. Lo and behold, this is just a small corner of the wonderment I found:
Walking into this cornucopia of craft possibility was like stumbling across Mecca. I was practically drooling the moment I walked in the door. I got so excited that I spun around in circles several times before forcing myself to focus on one thing at a time: first, the awesome selection of scalloped note cards… then on to the exquisite display of sophisticated magic markers … a dizzying swing by the handmade paper gallery… and a gratuitous grab of some sparkly floral goodies. Twenty-five well-spent bucks later, I scribbled my email address on the mailing list on my way out the door, visions of future craft workshops parading giddily through my mind.
But no sooner did I discover this aesthetic mecca than I began to worry about its very existence. Mill Valley is a small town — albeit a small town that inexplicably keeps two Whole Foods markets quite busy — and I fear there isn’t enough imagination circulating among our local populace to support this amazing place. Apparently they’ve been open since February (I grilled the disaffected teenaged girls at the counter) and they’re obviously not doing great with their outreach. Granted, I live under a rock and I’m a confirmed shut-in, but I really should have heard about this place by now.
Oh, it’s called “Once Around.” Terrible name. But, exquisite place, truly. Their web site is quite lovely too: www.oncearound.com/
If you happen to be in Mill Valley, please go in and take a look around. Buy some craft supplies. Lord knows you can never have too many! I need this place to stay in business. It gives me hope.
* By the way, the worst restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life was actually called Shangri La, so I always think twice when I use this expression.
