An order came in the other week, so epic that we paused from our work to read collectively. A request for two bottles for a very special occasion, a first date. It began:

Here’s a slice of my inner world so you get a better idea of where I’m coming from.

dear diary:
~ fade in ~
(( No Ordinary Love by Sade plays softly in the background ))

We took the request in earnest and with gravity. Got reacquainted with that song and video to embrace the mood (spoiler alert: Sade is a mermaid). Nearly a full page of cosmic imagery followed - scene changes, second and third acts, dream sequences, a motivational montage - an excellent soundtrack keeping things focused and moving forward. 

The inquirer goes on to seek a red that brings comfort. A red wine "to make us feel at home with each other..." and a white wine that is "heart-exploding...mesmerizing... one that tastes like the warm yellows of marigolds, a symbol for new beginnings." The request is playful and surreal. Soul warming and sincere. 


Reading all the daily requests remains a true highlight. We miss the energy that you all physically brought to this space, but we are thankful for these little windows into your souls and into your days, your lives. It brings us great pride and comfort to know that some spark and spirit still connects us all, even at such distance these days. And it is both touching and telling to see the considerations and kindness at work - so very many requests that come in are for bottles or gift certificates or six packs for others: for friends out of work, for a couple who had planned to be married that given weekend, for isolated family members, for a considerate neighbor. Folks still celebrating birthdays and commiserating bad days. Still showing and sharing the love, in these unordinary times. 

We are so grateful to see your order requests come in. We are honored to still be a small part of your lives and your celebrations. Your birthdays. Your weddings. Your movie nights. Thank you for allowing us to keep our doors open and to be a part of this beautiful community.


With extraordinary love,

Daniel


p.s. Brown Bag Bread Club accepts online orders until noon today for Friday afternoon pick-up at OAKLAND YARD. That’s right now if you’re quick – click here! 

ALSO, a happy reminder, OAKLAND YARD is now OPEN TUES through SUNDAYS, from 12 noon until 6pm! Mermaids (and mermen) welcome to order too.