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Nell Hills

New Adventures Await Nell Hill’s and Me

Guys, I have big news!

At the stroke of midnight tonight, Dan and I will be toasting the end of one of the most rewarding chapters in my life. And, the beginning of a new adventure. Just a few days ago, we signed the final paperwork to sell Nell Hill’s to a wonderful young couple. I am so excited about the future of Nell Hill’s, in Katie and Brandon’s capable hands. Katie will be introducing herself to you soon and sharing her plans for Nell Hill’s.

When I started Nell Hill’s 37 years ago, I never thought the day would come when I would hand off my “baby” to someone else. Now, I’m ready. The one thing I love even more than Nell Hill’s is Dan. For years, he’s patiently waited while I worked way too many hours and said no to way too many vacations with him.

Now, I’m excited to put all my energy into my new job:  Stay home and drive him crazy! He doesn’t know what he’s in for, poor guy. Soon, he may be wishing I would go back to work. Lucky for him, Katie has asked me to stay on in the new year, so I will still be working at Nell Hill’s part time through 2019. Today’s Style at Home blog, though, will be my last. Look for blogs from Katie soon!

New Year’s Eve is a night where we look back and celebrate what has been. My heart is so full as I reflect on the nearly four decades spent with all of you at Nell Hill’s. I remember …

  • Laboring to cut huge wedges of imported cheeses with my mom’s dull butter knife, to tuck into the baskets we sold at the Gourmet Corner, before we became Nell Hill’s. The fact that I didn’t know a thing about gourmet food, except that I liked to eat it, did not dull my enthusiasm as I blundered about, building the business.
  • Being “discovered” at the Kansas City Junior League Holiday Mart. As we sold out of inventory, my parents ran back and forth between Kansas City and Atchison to restock our booth. We couldn’t believe our good fortune.
  • The daily arrival of SUVs filled with girlfriends who made the hour-long trek to Atchison to shop and just spend time together. They packed in as much laughter and fun as they could, finding treasures for their homes, before they zipped back to pick up their kids at school.
  • Standing on my porch, welcoming guests to my spring, fall and holiday open houses or book signings. We never pulled off one of these grand shows without an adrenaline-fused photo finish. I can’t believe my staff and friends didn’t mutiny!
  • Working with customers every day at the store, helping them bring their vision for their home to life, solve some of their most frustrating decorating challenges or prepare for a party or event.

Because of all of you all, Nell Hill’s has been much more than a store. It’s been a celebration of friendship, with our homes as the convener. It’s three generations of women– grandma, daughters and granddaughters – starting their holiday season here. It’s young people building their lives, picking out their first sofa or table for their new home. It’s friends planning dinner parties, dropping by to get table top ideas to fuel their creativity. It’s laughter, encouragement, inspiration, fun.

There is no other way I’d rather live my life, than helping make these magic moments happen. I am so grateful to every member of my team, who have put up with my crazy ideas. To the customers who have trusted us with helping make their houses into homes. To all the lifelong friends I’ve made at this special place. To Dan and Kelly for sticking with me, even when all there was to eat in the house was popcorn and champagne because I worked late instead of going to the grocery store.

Now, I can’t wait for the next chapter.

So many great things still await us all. Come by and see me at the store in 2019 and meet Katie, the wonderful new guardian of Nell Hill’s. See you soon!

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Comments

  1. I wish you all the best of life, Mary Carol! I look around my house and see the accessories, fabrics, books, furniture purchased recently as well as long ago from your Achison and Briarcliff stores.
    I recall standing in long lines in Achison with my friends, just waiting to get into the store. Once in, the line continued to snake around the entire store in a “one-way only” serpentine line. The atmosphere and camaraderie was electric, joyful as we filled our baskets with your carefully curated and displayed treasures! I always thought that those same shoppers at Walmart would scratch and claw to get at merchandise, but Nell Hill’s was a place to reverence and show your best manners. And you were always there—smiling, helpful, kind, encouraging!
    Best wishes to enjoy your new life! Thank you, Mary Carol. XO

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  2. Mary Carol, I have loved your stores and you since my sister Kathy first discovered you. We spent many girls trips, including my 50th Birthday celebration, at Nell Hills and a bed and breakfast in Atchison. Your influence and your cheerfulness was always so welcoming. My home still has treasures from your store. I wish you and Dan much happiness in this next chapter of your life. Your presence will always be around at Nell Hills♥

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  4. All luck and happiness to you and Dan. I’ve treasured all your books and enjoyed your blogs.
    Love and blessings,
    Amy Ryberg

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  5. Thank you for all the inspiration over the years. Enjoy your “new chapter”… maybe a cooking class?(wink-wink).
    You have made the world more beautiful. Blessings be yours.

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  6. I have many, many pieces from Nell Hills (and based on your attentive advice) in my home and will miss seeing you around the store. I first discovered the Atchison store when I was new to Kansas City from a WSJ article and it was the beginning of many treks to Atchison—sometimes alone, sometimes with friends and sometimes with family. Best of everything to you, Mary Carol, in your retirement. I hope that you enjoy it every bit as much as you have your dedication to your business!

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  7. Congratulations on your many years of success. I will miss your sweet smile when I shop at Nell Hill’s after your offical retirement. You have been an inspiration to so many people. Happy New Year!

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  9. So happy for you but so sad for me.
    I never make a trip to KC without coming by Nell Hill’s.
    I will miss seeing your sweet face in the store.
    Tell Katie not to change a thing!

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  10. I had the joy of visiting both of your shops on my way from Minnesota to visit family in Oklahoma. I have enjoyed your writing over the years. Congratulations and Godspeed on your new adventure.

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  11. I’ve followed Nell Hill’s progress since I don’t know when and return to your books constantly for inspiration. I finally made the drive from Iowa to visit both of your stores in 2014, you could not have been more welcoming when I introduced myself. I’m finding tears streaming down my face as I read this post. They are tears of sadness, YET tears of joy that you are passing your wonderful gift to new owners and will be enjoying the fruits of your labors with Dan. Best wishes for a wonderful ‘retirement’ and thank you for all the great books and posts. There’s a whole new world out there awaiting you and maybe you can do guest posts after being inspired by great destinations. PS Is there a book in the works about your cottage???

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  12. This time of life is bittersweet for many of us. We’re ready to make these big changes for the better (more time with our hubs,) but still aware of the passing of time.
    Blessings to you in your retirement. And may you enjoy many happy and healthy years enjoying wonderful new memories together.

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  13. Having attended Benedictine College in Atchison from ‘83-‘’87, I often “brag” that I shopped at the original store, Gourmet Corner, bringing my mom in to shop on parents weekend. From that point on, my mom from Omaha was a fan. My dad would always stop at Nell Hills so my mom could shop on their way to KC where I eventually settled. My dad has since passed away, but we now take my mom to Nell Hills when she’s visiting us from Omaha. If Mary Carol was working, she’d seek her out to say hello! Wishing you all the best!

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  14. Mary Carol and Dan,
    Wishing you the happiness that you have given to so many over the years! You have given so much of yourself to others and now it’s yours and Dan’s turn to enjoy each other. Thanks for the laughs and tips about and from yourself. It really gives a sense of normal to your shoppers. YOU…are a very talented and humble person. When I come to KC from Nebraska you are my #1 stop. Just ask my husband! HA!
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have truly enjoyed the journey to NH and Good Luck to Katie and Brandon! I will be back 🙂

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  15. I want to thank you for the many wonderful memories I have of fun road trips with dear friends to Atchison. We couldn’t wait to search for treasures at Nell Hills, then hop the bus to take in your inspiring holiday home tour. It was all so magical and fun! I often receive compliments from friends about my home and how welcoming it is. You and your lovely store(s) and books have inspired me over the years. Cheers to you and your new adventure!

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  16. Recently I visited a new decorating/ furniture store and while there was only 2 people in there I didn’t get even a smile and I remembered how we greeted the guests and gave personal service. I left the store feeling very let down. I never leave a store without buying something, but that day I did. I enjoyed my few months working there.

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  17. Mary Carol,
    Congratulations and thank you for being such a precious friend. You’ve influenced the feel of my home more than anyone. Thank you for the thoughtful gifts over the years and allowing me to tag along with you at market in Dallas when I was so homesick for my life in KC. Thank you for some of my favorite weekends with my mom and sister ever in your darling homes in Atchison. I’m so grateful for your design influence, but even more so for you friendship. You will be missed, but so happy for you and Dan!
    Love,
    Amy

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  18. Many years ago the Cure’ of Ars moms took a school bus to your Atchison home for lunch and then went to the shop. I still treasure that day with my girlfriends and the Christmas ornaments I bought. And yes, we were barely home in time to pick up the kids from school. Best wishes for your new adventures.

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  20. Mary Carol,

    I was part of the mom groups that would come a couple of times every year to Atchison with great anticipation to what lay before us and we were never disappointed! Thank you for your years of keeping us excited about what was to come on our treks there and the great value and fun things you provided. What fun memories and a great time!!

    Tammy Worley, Lenexa, KS

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  21. Driving to your Atchison store was always a treat, excitement cresting as I crossed the bridge and made the 3 right turns. From the display window to the first step inside, I was transformed, lost in delight as I stepped daintily among the beautiful treasures displayed as if by fairies. Finally, the satisfying drive home, my haul in the trunk. Shopping in your store was truly magical. Mary Carol, you are a legend and your legacy lives on in generations of nest builders everywhere. You husband called. He said, “You should have this retirement.” Be well. We will wait patiently to see what’s next.

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  22. Congratulations on the sale and your planned retirement. I am another one of those who has enjoyed your books, the blog and everything from afar (Calgary, Canada to be exact). I was my wish to be able to come to the store and meet you – unless plans change and I happen to get to Kansas City in 2019 that won’t happen. Glad to know the store will still be there for me to visit. I hope that you continue to add to your story for us to enjoy. All the best in 2019 and beyond !

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  23. Many congrats on your retirement!! My husband and I both just retired from our own business. We were able to sell our wholesale business to a valued customer and now are “partner sand consultants” as we help them transition. We are both 63 and decided to retire sooner than later so we can enjoy our time together, travel, and whatever else we decide to do. We have been inundated with the question “what will you do with your time”. And our answer is…we need some spare time in order to figure that out. We have worked days, evening and weekends for many years. After 4 full months of retirement, I’m still trying to master the “slow down” thing. I’m trying to turn off the incessant “hurry, hurry, you don’t have time for that” message in my brain. Hope you do the same!

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  24. You deserve all the joy of leisure and travel. I made a trip from Los Angeles and later from Seattle just to savor your stores. I left Achison with yards and yards of cabbage rose linen stuffed in my suitcase and recently some treasures from Kansas City. Thank you for years of inspiration!

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  25. I remember stepping into your shop for the first time while I was still in high school. My first purchase was some of those gourmet cheeses and a set of wine glasses from the rack that hung from the ceiling. It was a gift for a friend and you wrapped it beautifully! I visited your store every year for several years, gathering treasures to decorate my home. I think of you and Nell Hill’s every time I hang my pearl ornaments on my Christmas tree. I watched you expand from the little corner shop to the store next door, upstairs, across the street and beyond and eventually, Kansas City. Enjoy your time off – you deserve it and thank you for bringing something special to Atchison all those years ago!

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  26. I have been a late comer to your blog. I have been inspired by it. My granddaughter graduated from the Benedictine College in Atchinson and afterward we drove to Kansas City to see Nell Hill ‘s. I did shop there, and told my son “It’s a good thing I don’t live in Kansas City because all of my money would be spent at Nell Hill’s.” Congratulations on your retirement. I shall miss you and all your great ideas.
    Carolyn Gleeson, Grayslake, Illinois

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  27. Thanks for all the years of great shopping fun! Loved Atchison for many years and Briarcliffe as well. Enjoyed our lunch together with Susan Collar (then) Diebolt way back in the day! Best of luck to you in your new endeavor. Blessings! Linda

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  28. Congratulations Mary Carol! You gave all of us a wonderful, beautiful, friendly place to be inspired! Enjoy your next adventure!

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  29. You have been a true inspiration. For me it was a 3-hr trek from wichita to Atchison and now KC. But so worth it. I always came home fires up with new ideas and of course new items! Once my car was so full I couldn’t see out the passenger window to drive home!
    I met you at WSU as a freshman. You were special then and continue to build up everyone around you. Cheers to your next adventure!

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  30. Sooo sad, but I’m happy for you, Mary Carol. Congratulations! We have so many good memories of visiting Nell Hills from St. Louis. Hope the new owners don’t change a thing! Best of luck!

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  31. Congratulations on your retirement!! Thank love reading your posts!! Sorry inspirational!! I love everything that you have posted!! Enjoy your time with your man!! It will become a new “Dance” for both of you!!
    I loo forward to seeing the posts from the new owners!

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  32. I bought an overstuffed chair when you were still in Atchison only. It was so comfy and I remarked I didn’t know if I could get it into my SUV and your comment was ” yes we can.” And we did. Still have it and love it.

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  33. Years ago when you started Nellhills shop on
    the corner in Atchison , I would always stop there while my kids went to the Orthodonist
    and always found a rare gift there. You were so sweet and I evently was able to bring a car load of gal’s from Hiawatha. The gal’s and I attended
    many open house tours of your lovely home and have copies of your special cook and decorating books. We all loved coming to nellhills and even to your Kanas City Store .
    You always made all of us feel so special and my daughter Michelle bought a beautiful Christmas Wreath for her new home and you
    were there to help us with it and your ornaments. Enjoy your retirement and we will
    miss you thank you for always being there for us.

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  34. Mary Carol ,so happy for you and Dan…..you have worked so hard and every time I visited the store you welcomed me and Kelley like family. I wish you well and happinesss…..Enjoy your New Year!!! Love

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  35. Warmest congratulations to you on your retirement!! Although my dream of visiting your Atchison store never came true, I have been blessed to own copies of all your books and to follow your blog over the years. You are an absolute delight, however one is blessed to know you!! May you and Dan share many wonderful adventures in the years ahead!

    Kindest regards,
    Evelyn Hill

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  36. Thank you, Mary Carol, for introducing me to the wonders of your vision and style. You have taught me more about decorating and having fun doing it than you could possibly imagine. You have peaked my imagination and awakened my inner style. Thank you. Have a great life!

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  37. Mary Carol, I first visited your Atchison store because I was reading an article about Nell Hill’s in a Country Living magazine while in the car. We were on our way to Michigan to visit our daughter, and rerouted to go through Atchison. You were in the store and noticed my yellow Croc shoes! We talked about how they would make good gardening shoes for your friend. We are from Tulsa and have visited so many times, girl trips, and open houses since. I preferred my husband come along because he loved to shop and carried the bags. I have shared your ideas with so many friends. Love all your books and visits to your home in Atchison. I look around my home and see your ideas in so many places. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me. Best Wishes for the future.

    Brenda Fears

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  38. Mary Carol,
    I am so happy for you! Nell Hills has been the very best place to shop for my home since I found you back in 2009! My house is filled with so many beautiful things from your store and it still thrills me to fluff my pillows and enjoy my furniture and decorations. I love that you and Dan can “pick up where you left off” when you started your business. I wish for you all the very best.
    Sincerely, Jeanine Scott (your biggest Detroit fan…well maybe after Judy!)

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  39. Who knew back when I met you at the Mount in 1970, that you would lead the life you lead today. You always had a bubbly personality and managed to get out of sticky situations with Sr. Norma., but you didn’t strike me as a particularly driven student. But that just goes to show how passion and being driven is more important than what you leaned in Algebra (sorry Sr Anne).
    As you leave your successful career behind, I wish you much happiness. I have no doubt there will be other passions in your live. Hope Dan is ready for the next phase. God bless you and protect you Mary Carol!

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  40. “Little Bolt”
    Oh how I’ll miss you Mary Carol and our fun quick visits! I’ll treasure all my Nell Hill treasures and fun memories of our sisters trips to Nell Hills both in Atchison( which holds a special place) and KC! Now you’ll have time the next time a group from MSSA get together inKC! Enjoy your family time- you deserve it! Thank you for the gift you shared with all of us!

    Love’
    Margie
    (Little In)

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  41. Oh dear Mary Carol! I will miss your smiling face and all of the tips you have given me over the years. You’ve always been so generous with your time and humble about your brilliance. I believe you’ve made every person who enters Nell Hills feel like a very special dear friend. I feel like I’m having a love affair with my house— it feels very magical to me in large part because of all the wonderful things I have purchased from you. I write this sitting in a chair from you, my feet on a footstool from you, and admiring all of the beautiful things that came from your shop. Thank you for being you, and have a blast with Dan! He’s a very lucky man. ❤️

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  42. Mary Carol,
    I am so happy for you and Dan as you begin this next chapter in your lives. I’m sure working part time initially in 2019 will make the transition easier for you.
    Whereas, I knew this day might eventually arrive it isn’t without a tinge of sadness because I can’t imagine visiting Nell Hills and not seeing your happy, lovely, smiling face. I was just thinking of you yesterday and wishing that you would do One More Book and that it would be about your lovely cottage and include photos of the one next door too. (Hint! Hint!) As I sit here reflecting about my many trips to Nell Hills over the years both in Atchison and Briarcliff I can’t thank you enough for your valuable influence. Honestly, there isn’t one room in my house that doesn’t have something from your store in it.
    Enjoy retirement, make wonderful memories, Blessings to you both.

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  43. So sad to think of you not at the helm, but I know all good things come to an end and I know you will make sure the new Nell Hills captain will guide it to new shores. Enjoy the next chapter with the hubby….you provided such a fun day trip for all of us gals. What a vision to had so many years ago. Thanks for the inspirational blog (I’ve saved them all) and the beautiful store to pick up treasures at dream of what our homes could become.Thanks so much KC girl

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  44. Mary Carol, you helped me begin my love of design during my second year of Interior design school. My internship with you was amazing! I am so grateful for the job that you gave me after college as your Assistant Manager at Garrity’s. I didn’t know it then but my time with you helped me to grow in so many ways. Even though my time with Nell Hills was short, I will always cherish the knowledge that I acquired, the customers that I helped, and the fabulous decor that I collected and still have today!! Best of luck Dan and Mary Carol!!

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  45. Your Atchison store is the first and only store I’ve ever waited in a very long line to enter and spend my money. At the time, I thought it was absolutely ridiculous. Well, that was 17 or 18 years ago and I have to say, I found out that very day, it was well worth the wait. I also loved touring your beautiful home and seeing all the magnificent and creative things you do.

    Although I enjoyed the day trips to Atchison with my girlfriends, I was THRILLED when you finally came to Kansas City! When my sister visits from Dallas, we always make a trip to Nell Hill’s. That being said, I’m a little sad to see an end of an era. However, you deserve time to make Dan go crazy – lol – and time to relax and do whatever strikes your fancy!

    You have always been a happy and helpful guide that provided inspiration and encouragement that we, too, could easily create beauty in our homes. My mother, sister and I have many of your books and we all appreciate your style and creativity. Thank you for your wonderful taste and carrying so many things we love! Congratulations on your semi-retirement and I’m happy to hear you’ll be around for a bit longer. We’ll all be mourning your absence when you quit all together.

    You have a gift and a talent that isn’t easily taught. Some people just have that certain something… and you have it in abundance! Congratulations on such a wonderful and successful run. You have touched so many people and helped to inspire so many beautiful homes. It’s quite a legacy in which I’m sure you are incredibly proud. Best of everything to you and thanks again for everything you do!

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  46. Travel! It’s the stuff of LIFE! Tuck travel treasures into your decor and enjoy your new chapter! (Wife of Atchison’s Pat Price)

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  47. Mary Carol,
    I am so sorry to hear that you are selling Nell Hill’s. I live in Springfield and was just in your store last Thursday. I wanted to say hello to you but each time I saw you, you were surrounded by lots of people. I asked why the chaos and was told that you all were doing inventory.
    My oldest daughter lives in Liberty and every time I visit her, I come by Nell Hill’s. She introduced me to your store many years ago when you were still living in Aitchison. I loved your stores there but have also grown fond of the one in Briarcliff. I have been to many of your lovely home tours when you still lived in Kansas. I have all of your books and enjoy everyone of them. Can you tell that I am obsessed with your style of decorating?
    I will miss you seeing you, and miss your sweet greeting, when I’m in the store. I can’t imagine going in there and not seeing you. Hopefully, I will be fortunate to see you on one of the days you’re working part-time. All the best to you and Dan.
    Many blessings,
    Marilyn Chana

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  48. Dear Mary Carol,
    We have enjoyed meeting you and visiting your store these many years, buying unique treasures for our home from your stores in Atchison and Briarcliff, and standing in line for the beautiful seasonal tours of your superb Greek Revival home in Atchison. We have loved and been inspired by your design books and have found each new publication unique and helpful in creating the “Mary Carole ambiance” of a well-appointed home!. You have enriched so many lives with your talent and gracious, approachable ways. We will miss your presence at the store, but know that you have earned the right to step back and enjoy retirement with Dan and your family.
    Barbara and Don Wilson

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  50. I’ve only visited your store one time because we live in another state and don’t get that way very often. I discovered you quite by accident and became an instant fan, have followed your blog ever since and still want to get that way and shop again. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement, happy and safe traveling, quiet restful times just hanging out at home, and time to drive your hubby nuts–enjoy!

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