But then the grocery store wanted a separation, just for some much needed space. Then, the grocery store starting hanging out with general stores, and really liked them. So slowly, the grocery store became more and more like a general store, without losing the real grocery spirit, never really liking the whole "labeling" as general. The creative agency was having a hard time. On one hand, being al
one left a lot of time for self-care, which, in turn, meant more time at the wood shop and working on some home improvement projects. All of sudden, the years honing skills as a creative agency seemed to transfer right over to craft and building. The work required out-of-the-box, thinking, loads of problem solving, incorporating various disciplines into the work, and best of all: it meant working with your hands. Designing/building became another avenue the creative agency could spend time, completely immersed in the "flow" of a wood or metal shop, art studio, or fiber construction. One early spring morning, the creative agency woke up bright and early to hit the first farmer's market of the season. A new season meant a new goal, and this year, it was beekeeping. It was lucky that a local beekeeper group tabled that day; this meant it was possible to pickup the first box of CSA produce and make introductions at the same time. The flowers and herbs at this market were outstanding. The paperwhites and hanging plants were teeming with a verdant green and fresh dewdrops who somehow managed to stay-put, even after the farmers make their cuts. Around the corner, the creative agency spots the grocery store at a booth. This happened to be the best booth in the whole market. It was a co-op of different artists, crafters, teachers, farmers, chefs, and friends who sold their wares at this one pop-up booth at the farmer's market. Without any hesitation, the creative agency approaches the stand. The grocery store had a glow that couldn't be hampered. With all of these wares and foods and crafts around, deepset in the bosom of the farmer's market, everything seemed to fit. They began talking, and it wasn't like the old times; it was better. The clean separation left time for each to discover why they were partners in the first place. Something seemed to have clicked during their time apart, just as the baby was about to arrive. When the baby came, they had gotten back together to give it one more shot - and what a shot it was. The revitalized couple taught each other the traits and qualities they discovered in themselves while apart. The baby needed upbringing and teaching, and they were there to impart every last bit of knowledge they had. They reached out to their neighbors, and called upon their community to help raise the baby, and grow the place in which they all lived. The baby was the fruit of creative agency, dipped in a design/build environment, and a grocery store that became more general with provisions, addressing the basic necessaries of life. All three, with the support of and participation among their community, in solidarity with best environmental practice, represent - in sum - the Village Vitals.
