One of the great things about living in a small town is everybody knows everything about everybody.  In the last few days Robert Duvall has been filming a movie here.  We had the ladies in the shop that do the catering for the film in yesterday.  They picked up our copy of Cowboys and Indians to take over to get it autographed for us. I hope they remember to bring it back - anyway there is allot of excitement in town with all the film crew here. 
    The house where they are filming is near a house I own in the Historic District.  Amy called me this morning to tell me she was running by to watch the filming, so I thought I would swing by also.  It was so cool - I did not see any movie stars - at least I don't think so, but what was cool is all the neighbors out sitting in their lawn chairs taking it all in. Lots of folks visiting back and forth watching all the trucks and lighting "stuff" go by.  I of course am driving thru the middle of evrything with my mouth hanging open going WOW! I swear I am such a dork sometimes.  BUT it was really cool.
     The house that they are filming is just beautiful - the old 2 story lime stone kind that is absolutly beautiful.  I think it is a bit odd to know that a neighborhood 3 blocks from Main St. is going to be in a movie, but around here it really does happen all the time. I have a good friend that I run around with who lives in Kerrville, (we went to hs together) Sunday he was over and commented how really pretty Fredericksburg was and he never realized how many beautiful old houses there were and  how cool downtown is.  I didn't think much of it at the time but he is right. Those of us that live here sometimes forget how cool our little community is.  I though about what Jon said this morning driving thru the neighborhood on the way to the shop. I can say that there wasn't a person sitting out this morning watching all the action that would not have invited any one of the people working on that film into their home to have a cup of coffee or ice tea.  You need to use the bathroom - sure come on in. That is what we do here.  Everyone is family, everyone is welcome. I think that is really cool.
    Have a terrific day....
    kathy, and all the garden girls

When I was in the 9th grade my Dad got transfered to Charles City Iowa.  It was 1971.  I would be a freshman and my sister a senior.
     Below is the house we lived in, but at the time it was white..  The building in the next picture  is my school.  Although you cannot tell I lived 3 doors down and across the street from my school.  Did my Mom let me come home for lunch ! Heck no - she said I had to socialize.  Well we all know I have no trouble talking.
     Anyway, today this house and Iowa is still an important part of my life.  We loved living here.  Charles City was a tiny town and we all knew everyone.  My sister met her husband there, they were high school sweethearts, we had our horses at a farm near by and in the summer everyone in town went to the pool.
     Many of you that shop in the store know that I make regular treks to Iowa to go shopping for the store.  Later I will add some more Iowa photos so you can see where our Folk Art, Amish Baskets and Antiques come from. 
    My daughters and I go "home " as often as we can.  Their cousins are all the same age and all of "us girls" go running around. One of the things that I have learned over the years is that you have to know where you "come from" in order to get to where you are going.  I notice with many friends and customers that we all are so proud of where we came from but often as we get older, kids grow etc etc we are not quite sure what to do now.  As many of you know my girls Katie and Amy are either in Grad school or regular college. It was quite an adjustment for me as a single Mom to be rattling around on our ranch by myself.
      Last night all the girls were home along with Katies boyfriend Mark, who Amy and I just love.By the time I got to the house, Mark was mowing the yard and the girls were starting to get dinner ready and goofing around. It was one of those Mommy Moments when you think" hey, this is pretty cool".
 While we waited for dinner to cook we sat out in the back and shared the adventures of the day. It was really nice having quiet time with my girls. 
     Dinner was great - I had gone to HEB and bought whatever it was the chefs were making that day and tried it at home.  I am not a good cook so we are all amazed when I am successful. To make a long story short everyone was in prime form laughing and joking. Then the girls decided to get out the jewelry box and show Mark all our treasures. Well one treasure led to another and before you knew it the girls were giving the entire history of the Cox family.  I was just grinning from ear to ear.  As a parent you wonder if all the places you drag your kids to ever matters.  do they pay attention to Great Great Grandmas ring or where this vase came from or which cousin went with which Aunt and Uncle. And what IS Aunt Frances's last name?  I may not be the best Mother in the Universe, but listening to my girls last night I think I did a pretty good job. I know they are on their way to learning who THEY are because they know where they come from.   See you soon!  Kathy   j.a.m.  (just a mom)


                     

     The Secret Garden is very excited to be carrying a new line of hand made leather handbags.
While at market we met Juan Antonio from California. His family run business creates the most beautiful leather bags.  All made in the US, actually at their factory in California. The first shipment features leathers and sueds adorned with turquoise.  The second shipment will be hand tooled leather in red, brown black, pink and turquoise.
     It is worth a trip into the store just to see Juans' work!
     See you soon - Happy Trails - Kathy

     I just got back from a whirl wind trip to Round Top.  I visited Marburger farms, Emilee Turners Folk Art as well as my favorite La Bahija .
     We were able to meet 2 new Folk artists, Kiki Neuman and Nancy Thompson.  The Secret Garden will be carrying their work in the shop.  Come see the great wreaths made from recycled metals as well as the Breast Cancer Winged bird houses that are done by Kiki.
     The vintage linen night cloths are in stock.  This shipment is from France.  Dated early 1800's. Some of the dresses have never been worn.  They make great tunics, sun dresses or night gowns. All are hand made with hand done lace and tatting.
     We will also be carrying the work of Hill Country artist Sherril Wright  When you are in the area come see the beautiful carved Santas as well as her hand painted sitting Santa's. 
     Enjoy all the beautiful flowers!    Happy Trails - Kathy

We have just taken new markdowns at the store.  50 - 75% off much of Fall and Winter. Check the newsletter for special sales on Jan. 18th !

Goodness gracious!  You have got to put Fredericksburg on your "go to" list for Christmas Lights this year!

The new 26ft. German pyramid is up and will be lite the day after Thanksgiving  at 7pm. ( the secret garden will be having a champagne and desert reception following)  We also have the old beautiful wreaths with candles in them on all our light poles and matching  garland across the street. This is all part of a 3 year plan to improve our lights in the downtown and surrounding streets.
Our Pyramid is the only one of its kind in country! Pretty cool!
    Don't forget the first weekend in December also!  We will be having our Christmas parade and the Kriskindal Market will be going on in the Market Platz (park for all you foreigners)
    Have to get back out to the front - Saturday in Fredericksburg......THE place to be

     Back in the "old days" when Jesus was a boy, My Mom would always take us shopping the first of November. I never really understood what the deal was, to early for Christmas, to late for back to school. There would always be a good turn out of women shopping the streets of Fredericksburg. Mother would always say, "you spend shopping what your husband spends on the deer lease".
     Now looking back, I get it. So guess what ladies - this is opening weekend of Hunting season and it is time to shop!  The Secret Garden will be open Friday night until 8 pm. Serving hot spiced wine and munchies so you can shop till you drop.  Many other stores will be open late also all the Galleries will be open till 8pm Friday night also.
     I may not have a husband anymore but I have a store and we will be giving a 20% off on regular price clothing all day Friday.  So come over ,we will swap shopping adventures !

     Talk about a beautiful weekend here in Fred! The Halloween Party at Market Platz appeared to be a success and we had a few costumed cuties in the shop.
     Daughter Katie and beau Mark were in town so  we had dinner at the always terrific Cabernet Grill - otherwise known as the cotton gin - .Note to people who like me forget to make a reservation.....when the weather is good you can wait at a table out by the fish pond.  They serve drinks and snacks while you wait for your table.  we had very good crab cakes and stuffed mushroom caps.
     If you are looking for something to do this weekend, The Fredericksburg Theater is having a bennefit showing of "Dracula".  This is 2 nights only Nov. 6 and 7.  Tickets are $50.00 and are tax deductable.  Also included are drinks and munchies.   I am going - maybe I can find a date ! 

     Welcome to The Secret Garden Blog.  My name is Kathy Cox-Gutierrez and I own the store. 
The purpose of this Blog is to talk to our customers and share all the inside "gossip" that goes on in Fredericksburg and on Main St. We will attempt to fill you in on current Fredericksburg events the "who, what, where and how" of Hill Country living and of course let you in on how a nice girl from Detroit ended up in Fredericksburg!
     All that can wait until later....tonight I want to tell you about the terrific fashion show that all the stores in Fredericksburg were invited to participate in to bennifit the Hospital. All the models were cancer survivors and they looked just beautiful. All ages shapes and sizes came together tonight to show not only the audience but ourselves that we are still beautiful.  Even after all the surgeries and chemo and treatments. You see I am a 5 year Breast Cancer survivor and I am still trying to figure out what my new "normal" is.  I am also a single Mom.  Some days - well most days I have NO clue what I am doing.  I think that is why tonight was so special.  It was reassuring to see all those women, their families and friends all taking the ....one day at a time adventure and getting through it.
     It was a sold out crowd so I hope the hospital made a little money.  Bethany Church looked lovely as usual and I really think a good time was had by all. A special thanks to Jodi our store manager for getting this all together and our beautiful model Delores - she looked great!
     Talk to you all soon - Kathy

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