02/10/2025
I haven’t seen many of you in a long while. Most of you know me for my upfront, no nonsense approach who will not deal with disrespect. I feel now is the perfect time to introduce her to those that may not have had the time to meet her.
So here’s the news… we are working on some new things for Ravens, and appreciate the patience while we implement those ideas. And I will share those new ideas down the road, since there are a couple people who’d rather work off the ideas and hard work of others than simply do their own thing. But in the meantime I would like to talk about our journey.
Firstly, to thank those people we’ve met along the way these past eight years, whether it be customers, committee members, business owners, or just community members who have become friends and supported us, because they took the time to know who we are personally. ❤️
Secondly, I’d like to thank the ones we had become friends with who used us, trashed us, and talk behind our backs. The spoiled child attitude because you took ideas and then couldn’t get anymore. The egotistical friends who want nothing to do with you after you stop serving a purpose such as doing things for free or stop putting money in their pockets. You have taught us a valid lesson of who is worth our time.
Shortly after I opened my store, I met a man. He came inside and glanced around before he approached.
”What's your family name?” he asked.
I thought that was a weird question, but hey, I am a stranger.
”I’m not from here originally, so you wouldn’t be familiar. Does it matter?” I replied.
”To some.” was all he said.
Time passed and I met a woman and her friend. They came in to check out the store. After walking around and buying a few items I found myself in another odd exchange.
”What religion are you?” one woman asked as she glanced at my tattoos.
Again I asked, “Does it matter?”
”To most.” was her response.
So I indulged in the conversation.
”Religion is a private and personal experience, and different for everyone. It should be what you turn to in the time of need and thank and rejoice with during the good.” I said.
”I ask you to do one thing. Next time you are at a crossroads, pray to my God.” she pushed.
Feeling that was a very rude thing to do, I thought I would ask the same.
”Well, I will definitely do so if you in kind renounce your beliefs and do the same.” It wasn't received as well as I had taken her request.
A couple years later and still trying to make my way into the community, I was lucky enough to join some committees. I enjoyed my time and met some amazing people who didn't care where I was from originally or what my last name happened to be. They were happy and thankful I chose this town and was willing to help. Now I’m thinking ‘I know why I’m here.’
Over the years that one question had come up in conversation more than I thought it would. And as time went on I found the answer had changed each time it was asked.
I don't usually get into rants or pointing fingers, I rather talk face to face, but some here seem only to have the ability to talk behind your back, while smiling to your face.
Cowards! And while geography is the difference between there and here, common decency is not!
I pride myself in making my store a safe place for anyone to visit or shop. A place you can talk freely, create, or just be, regardless of where you are from or what you believe in. And know that while you are there no one will disrespect you because I will not tolerate that behavior.
My husband and I have helped countless people in a town we chose, not grew up in, for no other reason besides the fact they were going through a difficult time. But yet, people who will remain nameless for now, continue to spread lies and talk us down for simply not wanting to deal with their nonsense. If you are a small business owner who minds their own business and tries to help in the community, you know one lie, regardless of the fool it's from, causes issues. Perhaps people should actually get to know people and pass their own judgement than listen to haters, cowards, and toxic individuals.
So now I challenge you, those in glass houses, to look in the mirror as you ask yourself “why are you here?”
It is not your ‘job’ to judge, gossip, or defame anyone. Regardless of how perfect you fake your life to be, you will never be respected, just a hypocrite. Talking loud does not make you more important. Regardless of your religious beliefs, it does not make you better than anyone else. In fact, every religion condemns that type of behavior. And in all this free time of judging and gossiping, what have you done for your community?
You are right, I am not from here, and I am as proud of that fact as you are for being from here. I am proud of how I was raised, to be honest and respectful, to help those when you can and even when you can't. And more importantly, kindness goes a lot farther. So if your life is that miserable and boring that you have nothing better to do then tear down those who are just trying to enjoy and live their lives, perhaps you need a hobby! The one fact people seem to omit or forget, we chose here.
But remember, if you, as a resident or a business owner choose not to support the people and businesses in your town, the choice of where to go won’t be an option. Because you’ll have no businesses to choose from.
And to the couple we have helped, multiple times, who trashed an apartment, lied, took advantage and skipped owing a lot of money, you can’t outrun karma!
Nor can the husband and wife who do nothing but trash talk people and tenants. And that other guy we cancelled our contracts with for lies, deceit and nonpayment.
From this moment on I will no longer allow you to be the monkey on my back. You will no longer take space in my head. Misery loves company and you need to find another person to visit because you are not welcome here.
To everyone else, we thank you for your friendship and support ❤️
RAVEN
