Happiest of Holidays from Elizabeth Lamont

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Dear Friends,

As I take a needed pause amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I am immersed in gratitude reflecting on the extraordinary journey that this year has been. I am deeply thankful for the unwavering support of my friends, newfound clients who have seamlessly transitioned into cherished friends, and everyone who has played a role in supporting my small business.

This particular year posed a unique set of challenges as I navigated the balance of overseeing both my retail store and Interior Design business while dealing with some health issues. It has been a journey of resilience, growth, and love. At the heart of this success is an exceptional team that helps make it all happen – without them, I would be lost.

It’s been a particularly demanding chapter for me as I have been dealing with an intense GI issue, resulting in not one, but two hospital stays, and leaving me bedridden for many days.
It’s this slow healing progress that fuels my hope for a brighter, healthier future not just for myself but also for all those who may have faced their own battles this year. As the calendar turns to 2024, I am hoping for a year filled with health and strength for me and all of you.

On a brighter note, one of the peaks of my 2023 year, something that has been so exciting, was purchasing a ranch in Montana. I’ve seen and chatted with many of you in the shop during the holidays, so forgive me while I gush all about it! Together with a dear friend from New York, we've ventured into the realm of ranch ownership in the picturesque landscapes of Montana.

While our knowledge of ranching might be slim, we’re rolling up our sleeves with a spirit of adventure and we've embraced the role of stewards for this extraordinary piece of land nestled in the enchanting Paradise Valley. We’re just two city gals navigating the intricacies of ranch life, eager to learn and grow and perhaps see a cowboy riding by who decides to stay. I can't help but imagine this cowboy looking like a Kevin Costner …(Santa Claus Please!) with a rugged charm, adding a touch of holiday magic to our Montana adventure.

As we start this new thrilling chapter with our Montana ranch, the canvas of possibilities lies before us to bring this land to life. We are still working through the details of how to shape this slice of paradise. Should it resonate with the harmony of animals? Perhaps it will flourish as a haven for biodynamic farming. Or maybe, a pickleball court to add some competitive fun. There are lots of ways to go and I am open to ideas! The possibilities seem as boundless as the Montana sky.

Stepping into the final phase of the interior design for our Montana ranch has been a really exciting project with a unique canvas for creativity—one that harmoniously merges the tastes of my friend and me with the soul of the environment. Just like in a marriage, there are always things to consider as you blend tastes and styles with a friend. It’s been a thoughtful exploration and I think we did a great job.

Our goal was to craft a Montana ranch that not only embraces the rugged beauty of the West, our newfound part-time home but also stands as a welcoming place for friends and family. We aimed for a balance between comfort and aesthetics and we are thrilled to have achieved a space that is both effortlessly livable and strikingly beautiful. My family is spending our first Christmas there this year so I will be sure to take many photos to share. Montana is a wonderful place, there is so much to do even when it’s 22 degrees outside.

The amazing thing about this adventure is how I feel. Ranch life has opened up a new sense of wonder in me from walking in the fields to looking at animals that I’d only ever seen in photos, and gazing at the brightest stars I have ever seen! The bora areolas come out from time to time. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing that on this trip.

I send blessings and wishes of peace to our world, health, and wonder to all of you. I hope you find time to walk in nature with loved ones over this magical holiday season.

With much gratitude and love,
Elizabeth