New Shopping Partner?

I love to window shop.  I especially love going into boutiques and small independent businesses and browsing the goods.  I try to make an effort to shop local first.  However, lazy browsing is often made difficult by impatient children.  But something is beginning to change....

I already knew that Linus loves U Village.  It is almost something of a home away from home.  It is not uncommon to hear Linus exclaim, "I have an idea.  Lets go to U VILLAGE!"  with arm raised and index finger pointed for emphasis.   Recently, he has been asking to go more frequently and then requesting specific stores.  I am not sure which one of us loves Pottery Barn Kids more.

Today we were walking back from the library and I decided to pop into a cute little store, Tasty, on Phinney Ridge.  As I perused the shop, Linus delicately looked as well.  When the shop owner came over, he very earnestly and politely told her, "I like your stuff."  I admit to doing a double take.  The store, which features work from local artists and designers, has lots of breakables.  Linus went around the store explaining to me which ones were breakable and which things he liked.

Then it got weirder.  As we were finishing up, he told me he wanted to go to the mall.  SAY WHAT?  We never go to the mall  Barnes and Noble, yes.  Nordstrom when shoes are needed. Mall, no.  I reserve time at the mall for when he is in the care of someone else. 

I feel like the skies are clearing.  I almost don't know what to think.  Could stress free shopping adventures be in my future?  Could I actually plan afternoons of strolling through the shops of Ballard?  I am not getting my hopes up, but I am excited by the possibilities.

Linus E. Dimock, age 2.5.  Loves University Village, free samples at the Farmers Market, shopping local, and trips to the mall.