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HELLO
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." — William Arthus Ward
Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton
Growing up, I had a memorized list of what I was grateful for that I turned to whenever I was feeling a little blue. At the top of the list, I was grateful to be born to my mom and dad, that I was born in the United States and that I was a girl! As I grew up, the list was modified. As I got older, the list morphed even further and got quite a bit longer. Nowadays, a child could have on their list that they are grateful to go back to school! Even before remote learning became commonplace, Anne Marie Boedges' clients, Andy and Nikki Hillin, were well aware of the positives of a designated homework or "puzzle room." While living in their previous home, this set of parents went outside the box and converted their formal dining room into a homework space with the goal of keeping homework out of their children's bedrooms. Lesson learned. When it came time to build new, not only was their home designed as a gathering spot for good times, a custom designed "puzzle room" was included in the plans (pages 22-31). While our two featured St. Louis artisans are keeping very busy producing handmade products, Scott Allison designing holiday houses (pages 16) and Linda Cowell creating heirloom-quality Santa dolls (page 18), local home decor and gift shops continue to refresh their stores with seasonal gifts and decor. As we make plans and prepare for the upcoming holidays, remember that the Christmas shopping season can make or break our locally owned shops. They will be forever grateful for your support. Presents, yummy food, family traditions, live trees, twinkling lights, Christmas music, airport runs, wrapping paper, stocking stuffers and the belly laughs for days...the excitement of the season is here, all
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NOV/DEC 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
wrapped up like one big present for all of us. Christmas has arrived. Bring it on! Sure, this will probably be a different kind of Christmas, but we'll adapt as we must. Here is a fabulous quote that made me pause and reflect! "I was complaining that I had no shoes til I met a man who had no feet" - Confucius Thank you to all our clients and subscribers for your continued support this past year. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you! Cheers to 2021!!! Suzie Osterloh Publisher/Owner
Hope to see you at several events that we host and support this holiday season. Holiday Tabletop Tour — Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes — Christmas Tour–Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central West End Window Walk — Entire month of December
