Monday, January 17, 2011

A Store for Joy


New Year's Day has got to be one of the most quiet days in any European city. Here is a shopping district in Madrid, midday on the first of January. Wow. Great for my street photography, since I like these empty places, but a bit surreal. The only people we saw wandering around the city on this day were other tourists.

This sign caught my eye - notice it says "Joyeria." In Italy, many store descriptions end in "-eria." Gelateria, pizzeria, cartoleria to name a few. I know that "joyeria" in this case means jewelry store (gioielleria in Italian), but I loved the idea of a store for joy. If you're a little short on joy, having a bad day, you can stop in and get a boost. Maybe find the perfect gift for a friend going through a rough patch. Kind of a fun idea, don't you think? What would your Joyeria have for sale?


Today I also want to give a quick shout out for the Creative Every Day 2011 Challenge. This is a low pressure, open ended challenge for any type of art and creativity. There are monthly themes, but they are totally optional. I love the idea behind it - it's not about having some BIG CREATIVE GOAL, it's about just being creative every day in some way. For me, that could be taking a photo, or writing a blog post, or reviewing old photos. There is a link up every Monday and you will find artists of all kinds participating - writers, photographers, painters, paper crafters, poets, musicians. I have found many interesting blogs and people through participating last year, and am continuing this year. I thought you all might find it interesting too.

11 comments:

  1. A story for joy. What a wonderful idea indeed. It reminds me of the movie 'chocolat' in which they have chocolate for every situation. Some a bit spicy to give sparkle to a marriage, some warm and luscious to cure a lonely heart.

    I'm not sure what I would want to get if I came into that store, but I definitely would like to work in there. Wouldn't that be the most rewarding work ever?

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  2. My joy store...would start with smell and visual. Entry would put an instant smile on your face. In an instant, you would let go and refresh. What a concept Miss K! Must find and frequent a brick and mortar store that would give a bit of that kind of joy. May you find some for yourself today, thank you.

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  3. My Joyeria would sell beautiful papers and journals and fountain pens and inks of every colour. It would sell the best hot chocolate in the world and a mean espresso too with biscotti to dunk. It would sell delicate lace and ribbons. It would sell delicate watercolour postcards that would be a joy to send to people. I'm sure it would sell lots of other lovely things but this is enough for now as I'm beginning to dribble :-)

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  4. I love this shot and a great story. I will check out the creative every day too.

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  5. I loooove the idea of a joy store... fabulous.

    xo
    Kristin

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  6. I want to visit a joy store - how awesome would that be.

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  7. My mind is racing with all the things I'd put into my store, what a sweet question to get our minds thinking about something wonderful like that.

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  8. I speak Spanish and I never thought of the joy store connection with joyeria...isn't that weird?
    I love your idea of having such aa store -- mine would have bubbling fountains, French pastries, and massages. :)
    p.s. I started blogging after joining Creative Every Day over two years ago. Wonderful site!

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  9. Joyeria--love that word!! Mine would be so packed full of things you could hardly walk the aisles--hehe!

    I'm in Creative Every Day, too. Same thing--even if it isn't a particular art or craft project--just doing something creative for the soul each day.

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  10. My joyeteria would be like a combination of excellent café and art gallery, with amazing artwork and photographs on every wall, good latté's and sweet treats, magazines and books to share.

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  11. Joyeria, how perfect!! :-)

    And I'm so glad you've enjoyed CED!

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