Traveling together
"when roads run parallel"
I first met Alison when our youngest children started preschool together. Libby was three, tiny with blonde golden curls, and still quiet and shy. When I look back now and realize that my life has had numerous touching points with Alison’s, it makes me smile. I didn’t know then when I know now. There was a quiet bond between us that would outlast the usual trials and tribulations of a friendship in a small town. We seemed to always just get along and at times are able to be there for each other in ways that kept us both moving forward. I learned how to snowboard on her board. She leant me equipment so I could teach myself on Powderhouse Hill then later went with me to a small mountain to show me a few things to lessen my learning curve. At the time my second marriage had begun ripping at the seams and once again the shame of failure was encroaching upon me. We sat in the lodge together and opened up about life and all that goes with it. I felt heard and not judged. I think this is when we became bonded through thick and thin as friends. Our friendship continues on to this day.
She’s become one of the top selling artists in the shop. Her jewelry and now items from another of her businesses are competing for top sales. It’s truly amazing to watch her grow even when she thinks she has fallen behind. I often say in the shop that the most successful artists are the most humblest. They always seem to leave room for growth, realizing theres more to be learned and experienced. Her pieces always seem to be sought after, she has her finger on the pulse of what people are looking for and feel good about buying. She’s quiet about her education and what she went to school for. Knowing her now for as long as I have, it just makes sense. I love that her life has not been a straight shot, knowing the twists and turns it has taken throughout the years and yet she endures. Somehow in her life journey she has perfected the art of showing up. My achilles heel is her super power and I’m amazed at how effortlessly she does it.
Many of you will know her by her brand, Coliwog Designs. Many of you may know her for her snarky, off color messaging she filled her store with. Many of you will know her as a dedicated mom who does everything possible to make opportunities available to her children in the best way she can. I know her as a colleague, artist, and friend. I feel honored to have been able to get to know her through the years on multiple layers and watch her transform into a strong business person and even more compassionate human. She feels deeply, works hard, and creates with joy to touch other people’s lives in a way that she wants to be treated. I’ve come to know her as selfless and kind and marvel at the way she moves through life even when faced with its greatest struggles. It’s no surprise to me that my shop’s customers continue to support her with sales year after year. It’s no surprise that she continues to be one of the shops leading categories sold each year. She is honest, creative, and generous. She is a Kind Human.
