I think I go on about this every year at this time.  However, I have to say that I’m just amazed by the beauty of spring.  Across the road from us our neighbour, Gibb, has a huge sugar maple tree.  It’s just beginning to sprout leaves, and they’re the most magnificent shade of lime-green.

In our yard the flowering red currant is having a very good year.  It’s an absolutely beautiful shrub that when in bloom looks like it’s been decorated all over with large rubies.  I planted it about 18 years ago, and I’ve never regretted it.

Not the way I regret some of the stuff I have hanging in my closet.  When I think of how much money I’ve spent on clothes I hate, I feel really mad at myself.  What was I thinking?  Maybe I bought all of that because shopping just feels so damn good.

You may recall that I’ve been on a shopping ban for several months now.  Remember last week I scored four great tops at my friend’s work?  Unfortunately that released the inner demon again, and on the weekend I was scouring my favourite stores for God-knows-what.

I certainly didn’t know what I was hunting for, but man, it felt great!  I just allowed my manic inner shopper out and went to Winners, the Bay, Value Village and three smaller consignment stores.  I tried on a lot of stuff, but here is the great news – I only bought one thing!

So when people go on cleanses, and then say they’re more discerning afterwards about what they eat, I can relate.  Now that I’ve been on a shopping cleanse, I’m super picky about what I’m going to buy.  Why knew?  I should’ve done this years ago.

In order to ensure success in my spring and summer marketing campaign, I made a firm date with my mom for being in Osoyoos later this week. Then I made a list of 20 stores to visit on my way up and down the Valley.

This means I have to have my ordering information sheets, the fruitcakes with the new labels, and some sliced samples ready by a specified date.  Otherwise, I say vague things about marketing, but I don’t do any.

So as I prepare for my marketing campaign, please pray for me, as this is the worst, most God-awful thing anyone has to do. If you’re reading this and think “piffle” then go ahead, try.  Walk jauntily into a store, give a rousing pep talk to the manager along with samples, and then watch some moron trample your lofty dreams with a dismissive, “no thanks.”  Now that’s a regrettable situation!