Trading Post Chat

Staff


By SAVANNAH CUNNICK

Well Folks, we had our white Christmas later on, but so gorgeous! The snow can make things a little out of whack in our daily routine, but overall I see less trouble and more of a winter wonderland!!

Early this morning with all the snow on the ground, white mounds resembling our vehicles in the driveway and frosted glass on the storm doors, I found myself mistakenly letting our neighbor's black and white dog instead of mine into my kitchen. Everyone must have released the hounds at daybreak because all you could see where these dark crouching humps desperately searching for a dry patch of ground to quickly do their duty and run back home to momma. Thus, an easy do to mistake one doggie for another!!

Our Short Mountain Trading Post is quite a sight to behold with the white snow trimming the wood frame and all the decorative holiday trees, wreaths and wagon. It is so welcoming and refreshing. Our nature photographers are really getting some beautiful pictures and family photos are always good out here regardless of the season. Our days open right now are dependent on the weather. Usually, when it is a clear 45 degrees and above we are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday. Lots to see and great sales going on, so make sure you come to see us !!

This week we are featuring another one of our artists, Mr. Jai Sheronda. He offers you his story on how his art of "gourd Lamps" began and still goes on today. Jai writes: " I first started working with gourds 17 years ago at my friend's farm stand in Vermont....and I haven't stopped gourding since. Coming to Cannon County 15 years ago allowed me the opportunity to focus on my gourd art, experimenting with many techniques, creating the New Gourd Tarot, and now exploring the wonders of stained glass gourd lamps.

Learning how to cut glass and create images has given me new inspiration and a color pallet I've never before had. Most of the gourds I use, I've grown at Short Mountain Distillery. This last year I harvested over 100 beautiful gourds. Growing the plants from seed and nurturing them all the way to becoming a lamp is very satisfying.

The lamp parts from which I build my bases are in large part discovered in local antique shops like the Short Mountain Trading Post and family yard sales in the area. I take great joy in making these lamps and have dedicated my career to their creation. I am delighted to have them on display at the Trading Post where their light can be enjoyed !"
Thank you, Jai, for your very interesting story and we are very happy that you are with us also. Personally, I have purchased three of Jai's lamps and they are a delightful feature in our home ! You must have one!

The Trading Post is presently searching for a jewelry craftsperson, stained glass artist, wood carver and lawn art creator. We are also interested in more musicians for our social events. We are attempting to put local musical talent together in one terrific group to feature at the Post and the Distillery. Also, let us know if you are interested in being part of our spring/summer Farmer's Market on Thursdays. Call Savannah at 615-464-7824 for further info.

Must run for now and wishing all of you a wonderful week and a successful start to a most wonderful new year!!
Hugs, Savannah