Hushed Tones

Time sometimes bends to the needs of the user. It has been one long day since Memorial weekend and now is my evening. I am catching up with you after a hectic day at the gallery.

We sprinted into the garden season, celebrated Pat's 60th Birthday Party and rotated new artwork all while answering the earnest question, always asked in hushed tones, "How are you doing?".

"How are you doing" is no longer a conventional greeting. 'How ya doing?' asked during a casual walking pace is is still a simple 'hello', but I am frequently stopped these days by seasonal visitors, weekly regulars and weekend day-trippers asking me how we, The Flying Pig, is fairing in this reckless, at times horribly deliberate, economy. I figured it was time to answer that question for all.

We are o.k. We are grateful for the six years of experience that nudged us towards changes last year. Changes that helped transition our business quickly into place for this year's political based financial debacle. Our fans and new visitors are facing hardships beyond our own experiences or understanding. The gardens have become a retreat, a respite from the next deluge of bad news. The much smaller outdoor staff keeps watering, planting and weeding to craft the botanical interest we enjoy sharing. Our plant selection remains interspersed with common and rare varieties. Plants continue to arrive in full blooming regalia.

The Flying Pig Gallery shifting interests a bit these last couple years in anticipation of business needs. Susan's passion for the folk and outsider styles remain intact, however, you will find many more local and regional artists and craftspeople on exhibit. Milwaukee, The Fox Cities and our own Lake Michigan shores are well represented throughout the gallery and gardens. Instead of our far reaching winter travels we spent time wandering our own creative state of Wisconsin.

While our business goals may have been hampered by the greed and irresponsibility of a few, we have responded quickly to continue bringing a fresh, spirited and creative experience to the many who support us.

We thank you all for asking. We are all here for each other.