Almost 8 years ago two best friends opened a cute little scrapbook shop on a shady little street in the very heart of downtown Twin Falls, Idaho.
We have worked hard and made sacrifices. We work every day to make our little shop inviting.
We welcomed people with a smile and often a hug...answered questions...taught them to create a beautiful history of their families, to create additions to their homes and all the things that go into a business like this.
Through the years we have made hundreds of friends. We have shared smiles as well as tears. We have kept our doors open through our own hard work and the support of our customers and friends. That is the best part...being here day after day ready to see who comes through the door next.
So earlier today a gal comes into the show whom I have not seen in a long time. She picked out some odds and ends she wanted to finish up some of the beautiful cards she makes. As we were visiting I asked about her friend. They always came in together and I hadn't seen the friend either. She told me they were no longer friends and that the last time they had come into the shop her friend had "robbed us blind".
She went on to say after leaving the shop they had gone to her car and her friend had shown her all the things she had stolen from the shop. Hundreds of dollars all stashed away in a giant purse. She said she was embarassed and didn't know what to do. These two had been in the shop dozens of times. I cannot begin to imagine how much was stolen.
I was speechless...shock and anger always makes me tongue tied. After she left with her purchases and the shock began to wear off I became angry...really angry! I had taken the time to teach these two to make cards...cards they would later sell. I don't know how many times they would come in looking for new ideas and asking for help. Help I freely gave...and this is how I am repaid.
Why the first friend did not gather up all the stolen goods, bring them back into the shop and tell us her friend had stolen the goods but she was returning them is a question I will never have an answer to. Truth is I don't care. I don't care what she may have stolen from her friend or how injured she is. Don't care.
I AM MAD!
I AM WARNING ANYONE WHO MAY THINK IT IS OK TO TAKE WHAT YOU WANT FROM MY SHOP OR ANY SHOP...
STEAL FROM ME AND I CATCH YOU---YOU ARE GOING TO JAIL!
STEAL FROM SOMEONE ELSE & I WITNESS IT---YOU GO TO JAIL!
I am watching...more carefully than ever. You may not think I am watching but I am. Don't come into GIRLFRIENDS to steal. I'll catch you and I won't be moved by tears or excuses. If you are with a friend who is stealing, you are an accessory and I will call the police to pick you both up.
I know this doesn't apply to 99.9% of the wonderful women and men who come in and out of the shop. Most of the people we are blessed to see every day would no more steal from us than flap their arms and fly. We love and appreciate the loyalty and friendship we enjoy with each of you. This is about the few that think it is OK...it isn't. It isn't and I am not about to let the few ruin it for everyone else.
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