Love

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. It's simple and sweet. You don't have to go over board with gifts. A card, flowers, chocolate, cupcakes, dinner out or breakfast in bed are all little ways to celebrate and show your love on this day. I guess that's why I enjoy Valentine's Day so much - I believe life is all about the little things. 

My husband, best friend, father to our children, and business partner is the rock in our lives. Andrew, a native, of Mackinac Island is our 'local grocer' (Doud's Market). We met the summer of 2006 while working together at the Gate House Restaurant. We started dating the summer of 2007 and after graduating from Albion College, I moved to Mackinac full-time to work at Grand Hotel. In 2009, the opportunity to open a small gift shop on Main Street was presented to us. Without any retail knowledge, I went for it. Andrew was by my side for support the entire way. We sure have been through many obstacles the last nine years in the 'retail world'. Without him, I would not have the strength, courage and knowledge that I have today. 

September 2009, we were engaged and in December 2010 we were married on Mackinac Island (on a beautiful, wintry day!). 

Since 2010, we have two beautiful, smart, adventurous boys (Louie & Tommy), and I have opened two more shops (Artists Market of Mackinac Island & Canvas & Paddle) and last summer, Doud's Market opened a new, smaller location towards Shepler's Ferry dock called Doud's Market & Deli. I never imagined to be on this exciting (frightening at times) ride with Andrew. We are passionate about our businesses, our community, our family and our love. My summer job back in 2006, changed my life and I am thankful, grateful, and blessed to have such a strong, determined man by my side. 

This is one of my favorite LOVE quotes from Bob Marley:

"He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.”