Got You’re Back Video Challenge

Buen Camino

A Camino is a 30 day commitment to yourself and can be physical, spiritual, religious, social, or fun! Pick something and do it for 30 days in a row.

Mark LeBlanc

My friend, Shirley T. Burke, has been participating in Mark’s Buen Camino program for over a year. She’s been encouraging me to get come up with a 30 day program and try it. I’ve watched her progress and have been very intrigued. Each month she sets a new goal for herself; some small, some large. The point is to be consistent with one practice for 30 days.

This idea keeps tapping on my noggin. My creative mind continues to say “hey do this challenge – it’ll be fun!” The 30 day challenge would be to take my little flip camera around town. It just simply won’t let me be, and thus I guess I should commit and do the challenge.

If you didn’t know me, I believe in shopping locally and supporting our community. Who doesn’t right? Well, as a business owner that felt the firm boot of the economy kick my keaster, I can say, I truly understand the dogged determination of a small business owner. It ain’t easy getting up, day after day, and staying motivated and inspired to live that American dream. Yes, it’s the American dream, but the blood, sweat, and tears are never something any one really understands until they’re in the thick of it. And with out these strong willed pit bull entrepreneurs we would not have the personality, the vitality, the hip cool edgy factor of our city. No, we would all be living in Box City USA.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the large box stores and they serve their purpose.  I’m probably going to run to a Target, Khols, Sears, Walmart for some things, but when I can I want to support my homies, my peeps; those that give this city the flair that makes it amazing. At least in shopping at the big stores keeps $0.15 stays in our community, where as shopping online keeps nothing in our community.

Now, I might not have gobs and gobs o cash to support all the local stores I would like. Perhaps you do, so please go shop local! In this crazy lady’s case, I’ll be purchasing when I can and then filling in with my 30 Day Video Challenge. Each day, look to this blog site for a new video short featuring one of our locally owned businesses of Richmond. The videos will be real; real people, real interactions, candid, fun, spirited. We’ll find out why they do what they do, what drives them, what they like about their business, and other random facts.

Do you remember that song  “Who Are the People In Your Neighborhood” from Sesame Street? Well, it’s time we really get to know the people in our neighborhood.

I’m excited to get out there and meet, greet, and video you. Who want’s to join me and go shopping and create fun video clips? hmmmmmm?

When will it all begin? Stay tuned!!!

Martin’s was Ukrop’s and Ukrop’s is Martin’s

Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrop’s is Martin’s
Said Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrop’s is Martin’s

Every things changes
And nothing stays the same
Yet the more things change
everythings the same

Like

Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrop’s is Martin’s

Opened in ’37
That was Ukrop’s
Opened in ’47
That was Martin’s
Family owned business
That was/is Ukrop’s/Martin’s

Said Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrop’s is Martin’s

Not opened on Sundays
That was Ukrop’s
Opened on Sundays
That is Martin’s
Started Fuel Perks
That was Ukrop’s
Continued Fuel Perks
That is Martin’s
Contribute to community
That is Ukrop’s/Martin’s

Said Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrop’s is Martin’s

Jim and Bobby
That was Ukrop’s
Mr. Martin
That is Martin’s
White House Dinner rolls
That is Ukrop’s
Continues Ukrop’s Kitchen
That is Martin’s
Provides quality service
That’s Ukratin’s
That’s Martop’s
Ukrop’s and Martin’s

You know I heard that Matin’s sells Beer and Wine EVEN on Sundays
Ooooo Ahhhh Tehehehe

Well, Mrs. Thalhimer told Mrs. Miller and Rhoades, who told my grandmother, and of course passed it down to me that those Ukrop’s boy’s weren’t allowed to be opened on Sundays or sell beer or wine, cus that’s the way they’re mama wanted it. And everybody knows you best mind yo’ mama!
And if mama ain’t happy t’ain’t nobody happy!

Got that right!

Said Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrops is Martins
Said Martin’s was Urkop’s
And Ukrops is Martins