So I bet I know what you are thinking. You’d have to be walking a-w-f-u-l-l-y s-l-o-w for a snail to follow you home, right?

Well, not if you are a snail that got to ride in the front basket on my bike.

But you see, I had no intentions what-so-ever of having a snail join me for a ride through Elkhart Lake.

After a stop at the post office and then to drop a loaned book in the library book depository, it was riding past a new little shop in town that I saw the door was open.

I’d been walking past this shop every morning the last few weeks wondering what it was all about with the name, Elkhart Lake Trading Post.

And my bike just happened to stop outside the building today so I could take a peek inside. I’m so glad I did.

A couple, Tim and Sara, who moved here from Vermont have set up shop to support local artists and vendors, along with the back part of their shop being home to their photography business also.

I just love and appreciate their shop with it supporting small business and the talents of the locals. It’s a win-win! 

After chatting with Tim I perused the shelves and just around the corner I spotted this snail…that I just had to have…to add to my growing critter collection that resides inside the walls of my writing cottage. And anytime I can support a local business and an artist my heart lights up with joy!

This sweet snail is made by a young artist. Her name is Sarah and her studio is called Hidden Roots Studio. I just love that name! She features other critters too and fondly calls them “maminals.”

Under her profile on her website, she states that she makes things for the home that are mostly nature-inspired because her passions are science and interior design. She says, “Every piece I make is unique and whimsical, perfect for the adventurous spirit.”

I could definitely feel the energy of the adventurous spirit in this snail because after all, it’s not every day that a snail follows you home by riding in the basket on your bike.

What I appreciate about the snail is the symbolism of taking life slowly. Let’s enjoy the ride and keep our eyes wide open to what we will see along the way by moving at a slower pace.

xo,

Barbara