Story behind ......

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. I've finished the latest instalment of the audio diary I am doing for BBC Radio York on the fortunes of Bolsita. This week it features the brilliant Prosperity Coach Cordelia, who is helping me set goals for Bolsita. That's very exciting.

I'll give you a sneak preview of the next one. This week a lady came into the shop to tell me about a charity she runs helping the Karen Hilltribes of Thailand. When she showed me the things they make I fell in love! The most beautiful hand woven scarves and bags - all naturally dyed - are now hanging in the shop! But the story behind the charity is moving. Her son went to spend some time working with the Karen Hilltribes, and certainly it impacted on his life and the lives of the people he helped. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident and his mother subsequently set up the charity to continue the work he started. The fact that the products have this kind of story behind them just adds to their beauty and worth.

I found myself thinking about the connections between me behind the sewing machine in Micklegate, York and the person who wove the scarf I am wearing in the hills of Thailand. It's the most fundamental and creative thing that humans have been doing for thousands of years - making something beautiful and offering it for people to buy.

You can find out more about the Karen Hilltribes Trust at www.karenhilltribes.org.uk or pop into the shop and have a look at the lovely products.

Sharon xx