There’s something magical about blown glass objects that captivates people. Over the past few years, there’s been an increase in interest in this art form, as well as in studios that not only sell unique glass creations such as rondels and sun catchers, but also offer a wide variety glassblowing classes.

Novices quickly discover that it can take years to master this craft. For some, it’s an interesting hobby, but for an artist like Luke Adams, glassblowing is a way of life.

For many New Englanders (myself included) Halloween is a favorite holiday. Although we can’t claim Halloween was invented in this part of the country, there are spooky connections between October 31 and New England folklore.

I heard on the news recently that a medical study revealed that men have a higher tolerance for pain than women do. (This could be a macho thing, or maybe we men are just too numb to know what we’re feeling.)

Regardless of the validity of this study, it’s safe to say that neither gender enjoys being in pain. With an aging population, is it any wonder that sales of over-the-counter pain relievers are booming? Fortunately, I have discovered a better, natural way to soothe those everyday aches and pains: Maine Warmers.

For many years, my wife and I owned and operated a full-service “sit and fit” family shoe store in our town of Peterborough, NH. When we sold that business a few years ago, many people asked us, “Why did you sell the shoe store? Were you tired of smelling stinky feet all day?” That wasn’t our top reason for bowing out, but occasionally it was a rather unpleasant aspect that went with the territory.

A year ago, my wife and I attended a local craft show. It wasn’t long before she spotted what she called a “must see, must have” product: Lorna’s Wool Needle Felting Kits. Having been judged the best new product of the previous year’s show, this item had an exhibit that was buzzing with activity.

I was bewildered. Why were these craft kits getting so much attention? I had never heard of needle felting and didn’t see the attraction of it. But what do I know? Obviously, not much about needle felting!

“Ohhh, it smells so good in here.” This is what just about everyone says when they come into my store. The subtle fragrances from soaps, candles, and lavender pillows provide a nice complement to the prevailing forest-fresh scent of balsam fir. Few people can resist the urge to pick up one of the dozens of balsam-filled pillows on display and inhale that pleasing, invigorating, evergreen aroma.