Handbell Wall

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

October 24, 2012

I know I know I know!!!!  It's been tooo long and I have been soooo busy!  It's hard to think of what to say when I feel I have so little time.
It's raining again today.  Ha!!  Yayyyyy!!

So, I had resolved to start taking pictures of everywhere I get to go.  I was in Nevada, IA  (nevaydah)
October 13th.  They have a lovely city sign and I did not take a picture of it.  Or the church.  I did get kicked  out of a motel because "they lost my registration confirmation".  I handed it to him even.  He wouldn't accept it.  First time in my entire life.  Grrrrrrrr.
We had about 25 people at Nevada and the workshop was run by Patrick Gagnon. Now there's an interesting and very humorous person!!  He had them learn 2 pieces that they were allowed to keep and the sight read through a bunch more.  He used that time to teach/work on/ different techniques.
It was a wonderful day.

Meanwhile, Twyla has finished cleaning up my 2 month I-don't-care mess.  And she's going to start cataloging the choral music that we have.  It's a very necessary activity.
Norm is feeling a little better.  His left shoulder still hurts although not as much as before and he is off the narcotics that helped reduce the pain.  We are still waiting for the result of the biopsy of the tumor.
So, in a week, I'm going to Vermillion, SD to pick up mom and then on to Rapid City for a Saturday workshop with the Bells of the Hills.  I'm really excited about this.  I WILL remember to take pics. 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Pictures from the summer


These pictures are from the Duluth festival. Don't ask my why I just take pictures of the display!! HA
To the right. A small display rack that has CDs  etc. on it.

Ok. Well this is Chuck Peery from Morningstar Publications. He was behind my space in Cincinnati but came around to talk to Alan Lohr and Philip Roberts alot.
The middle table held the tie-dyed gloves and chocolate and other gifts, all of which were a great hit.
And last but not least, Philip is showing off his love of red.  It was a really fun time.

August 10, 2012

Alright.  I'm sorry. In and around wanting to tell you how exciting it is to do this job and all the new things I experience, is real life.
Norm: Norm has recovered well from the cancer treatments and is now taking a little bit of testerone to increase the hormone level in his body.  He has a bit more energy, taking fewer naps. However, taking over from me (Carol) while I am gone to festivals or family visits is a bit much for him.  I need to figure out how he can better deal with those days.  He's doctor has requested that Norm work only 20 hours per week.  Norm is now starting to think about working fewer hours than that. Norm has had difficulty with his blood pressure meds making his blood pressure too low.  Norm has had eye surgery.  He is presently recovering from that.  Helen, his wife, is doing well.  She continues to volunteer and seems to be happy with being in retirement.

The store is doing well.  It has taken me 3 weeks to neaten everything up after the month of festivals etc. I don't enjoy being here by myself but we continue to have no money to hire someone part time.
I have expanded the types of chocolate we sell..well... all from Sweet Earth Chocolates of course.  We have a greater variety of notecards, cds, some ornaments, mousepads.  In the serious vane, I have expanded the choices for seniors, preschoolers, boomwhackers, and classroom.  I have also worked on getting more reading material for those interested in composing/arranging and in the artistic/movement aspect of our art form.

Carol

Thursday, July 26, 2012

July 26, 2012

Well, we had a wonderful time at Cincinnati and Duluth.  New displays.  New friends.
oh.  sorry.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

July 12, 2012

Just about at that place where I'm ready for the next Seminar!  Duluth was an absolute blast, not only personally but also business-wise.
1.  I totally changed the display and braved getting a second booth.  Worked perfectly. My friend Joanne helped me run the display.  We were a good team.
2.  I also decided to ring in the Massed Ensemble.  This made me more exhausted but it was fun and I got to ring under both David Weck and John Behnke.  David is a new acquaintance but I've "known" John for a while and it was nice to work under him as a ringer.  Both have a wonderful sense of humor.
3.  I followed the advice of a few people: I brought my computer and a printer, I put out the reading session music so people could look at it, I started using a credit card phone reader.
There were pluses and minuses to the last.  Mostly because the exhibit area was in a concrete room it was hard to get phone reception.

When I went back to work on Monday the 2nd, I needed to put together 4 reading sessions worth of music.  Hopefully it'll sell.  I won't know until next week.

Then  this coming Monday, the 16th, I drive to National Seminar in Cincinnati. I working on getting things set up now.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012

Six plus six equals 12.  That's what I woke up thinking today.  Go figure.  Definitely not a "war" baby.  But then, aren't we all?

So, we decided to rent 20' this year at both the Area 7 and Cincinnati Festivals.  Last night while I listened to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, I worked out how I was going to organize our products on 5 tables.  I still need to do it physically.  Usually, I've tried to have 24' of tables with 16' of tables on both sides. I have to decide exactly what I'm going to bring.  Thankfully we have a few friends who keep giving us ideas.  It does help having suggestions.

May was a quiet month. The Permanently Out of Print sale went...so-so.  Not as well as I'd like.  There are so many interesting changes to do to the store and the collection..display-wise.  As I get to understanding what works and what doesn't, changes get made and new things get added.

Friday, May 11, 2012

May 11, 2012

I'm trying to update our system.  It's kind of frustrating.  I need someone around me who understands all this mess.
Oh well.  May 17 - June 16th  we are going to have a Permanently Out of Print Sale.  All POP music will be 15% off.  Funny thing about this music is that some of it is quite good but you know it was published 20-30 years ago...or it's been republished for 3-5 octaves and nobody wants to talk about the 3 octave or 2 octave versions.
And of course, styles have changed.  So 3 octave music that was written absolutely melodically is considered "too open" for today.  Norm and I keep on thinking, well, maybe ensembles should play them.  So, we did have a good reach last year.  We're going to try it again this year.

Also, I'm thinking about Christmas in July.  Kind of selling some of our gifts at a reduced price for a couple of weeks.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

April 24, 2012

Heeyyyyy!!  I had a blast at Ely.  It was the first time I've ever attended a class on "How to Teach New Ringers".  Venita MacGorman gave us ideas and taught about 8 people how to ring.  Her ideas are very specific and are in the beginning of first Basics book she co-wrote with her daughter Erin.  I'm ready for Fall!!!!  Then she talked through both books and now I understand how to use the 2nd book.  Yes!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

April 17, 2012

Well, April is more normal now.  Weather wise of course.  I haven't heard how the High School Handbell Happening went.  KidsRing will have 50 some persons.  It will be wonderful.  Norma is looking forward to her Spring Ring and I just touched base with Tina for the Director's Seminar in Ely Ia.  They're planning on 25. 
I've talked with friends who have various handbell programs happening. Aldersgate UMC in St. Louis Park, MN on April 22nd at 4:00 pm is one of Carol's annual outings.  They have 4 handbell choirs and a huge variety of music.  Plus the congregation is so friendly and welcoming.  Bell Fantasia is coming to Burnsville Performing Arts Center April 27.  I'm planning on going to that as well.  St. Olaf College Handbell Choir, Bells of the Lakes, and Northern Lights Ringers will be performing.
I've realized that I (Carol) get the most fun out of talking with people and groups and creating an entry for the Bell Folk and Stuff page on our website.  April featured Katherine Jordahl Larson.  May will feature Julie Stitts.  I also enjoy the people who come into the store and talk about their needs and brainstorm with Norm and I.  I learn alot as well as explain a bit too.
I think one of our (all handbell ringers/directors/composers) best assets is each other. I think we should talk with each other and work through ideas.  It's amazing what others do.

Monday, March 19, 2012

March 19, 2012

Ha!!  The day before Spring meterologically, mid-Summer in reality.  Not complaining, it's just weird.
So, since I wrote last, we had a display at Anthornis in Plymouth, MN and at BellFest in Arden Hills, MN.  It's amazing what sells and what doesn't and then go someplace else and something totally different sells.  It's a complete mystery I think.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a van so I can bring more????  ha!!
Anyhoo!  Here in Area 7 we have High School Handbell Happening on April 14th in St. Cloud, KidsRing on April 28th in Plymouth.  On April 21st in Eau Claire is Western WI Spring Ring thanks to Norma Lionberger.
I actually found a Director's Seminar in Eastern Iowa on April 21st.  And I'm going to display there. I'll finally meet Vernita MacGorman.  That'll be a priviledge.  Then nothing until end of June...sigh.  I like driving around and meeting new people.  I was kind of thinking about seeing if a group of people from Bismarck or Mandan ND would want a late summer reading session in their area.  I'll have to figure out who to call.
Anyway.. keep ringing.  Did you know there's a kazillion "helps" out there?  Call us up?
Carol

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February 1, 2012

Do you know it has officially been 2 full years since Norm and I became Heitz Handbells and Music?
Truthfully?  It has been very difficult getting out of the "hole".  We are climbing out.  Feels great!!! :)

For the year 2010, my personal goal for our company was adding onto our customer base.  I knew Norm had lost customers due, in large part to his medical issues and the resulting inabilities to keep up service.
We were so incredibly busy with moving into a store space and setting that up and then learning Quickbooks and cataloguing the music and inventorying!!!  Ooof.  At the same time we were working on setting up a website which was open to the public in November of 2010.

My goal for 2011 was to double the amount of money we made in 2010.  We started pushing ourselves to go to workshops and festivals.  We constantly worked to improve our displays.  We increased our inventory radically.  Quickbooks was a constant in the improvement realm. Inventorying and reworking and improving the website was also a constant job.

It is now February 1st 2012.  It took me a month to figure out what my goal for the company is for 2012.  I'll tell you next year :)  BTW, we more than doubled 2010's intake last year. And our website is slowly catching on.  I'm still trying to get descriptions finished.  It's just that it is the last job of a long list of jobs.  As usual, the most important thing needs to be accomplished first.

We are finally stable enough to get into Sue Nelson's KidzRing books thanks to "encouragement" from a customer.  They are very doable for extreme beginner's, boomwhacker situations, senior citizens groups, persons with disabilities. Call us for more info.

Have a great month, Carol and Norm

Friday, December 2, 2011

December 2, 2011

Happy December!!!
I'm in a blah state of mind largely due to the fact that personal issues are frustrating, Norm's going through a rough patch, and I can't visit my family this Christmas. BUT!!
I have decided to work hard at getting a marketing email out for Christmas gift ideas for handbell enthusiasts. When Norm and I started our business together, we agreed we didn't want jewelry. I don't wear any (neither does Norm lol) and Handbell Services is doing a wonderful job at that.  As they have tuned themselves to their interests, so we tune ourselves. I am a serious musician type person and am not into knickknacks much either.  So our gifty things tend to be more educational or need specific. I'm sure there are plenty of practical minded people out there.
Also, I had planned on reviewing Christmas ensemble music for those who are interested in off-the-table ideas.  I'm still going to do that on Bell Folk and Stuff. Maybe today I won't work on descriptions on the web.
So...ideas? We have some fun mousepads, CDs, Michelle Sharik's DVD, game books, devotional books, bell tree music and needs, bell photo notecards and posters, pencils, colored gloves, boomwhackers, calculators, windchimes (silver and gold), chocolate. hmmmm.

Monday, October 31, 2011

October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!!  It's been forever since I last wrote.  So much has been happening. Carol went to Fargo at the end of September for a Director's Seminar, Sioux Falls in October for their Fall Festival, and this weekend I'm going to Duluth for the Twin Ports Handbell Festival.
Our displays are improving massively.  I'm so happy with the results. The wire racks are very helpful although not easy to stick in the car.  I think Norm and I have, for the most part) chosen wisely with gift ideas: Marilee's notecards and postcards consistently sell, the chocolate sells, the mousepads, boomwhackers too.  The CDs are selling but only occasionally.  Oh.  Raleigh Ringer gloves disappear constantly. Yeesh. :)
I've worked hard to beef up our solo area.  Now I'm working on duets, trios.  Once I get the supplies being consistent, it's easier to just rebuy rather than wonder what's going to sell.  I'm also still interested in bringing...ha!  ...brain fart!!...oh I know, information for people interested in different sides of music, ie composition, conducting, improving ringing, etc.
Norm's constantly working on the computer tweaking Quickbooks or our catalog (spreadsheet), entering new data, fixing things.  Things are going well. 

Friday, September 30, 2011

September 30, 2011

First, I gotta tell you that we've been invited to 3 workshop/festivals this fall and I've been so excited about the extra exposure and activity.  Bells of the Lakes had their seminar at the end of August as usual and we had a display in the social room.  That was great.  Frank helped me set up and tear down.  That's a definite process.  I bought some plastic table clothes to dress up the tables some.  Light teal-y blue.  Worked well.
Then I drove to Fargo for the Director's Seminar with Frank driving his car.  I'm going to have to figure out this car situation as gloves/binders add too much to my car.  I just don't have enough space.  However, again Frank helped me set up and it went very well.  He's extremely helpful and it's nice not to do all the heavy lifting.  I had bought some display racks after I saw Handbell Services with theirs and I really like that choice.  Again, a great display and fun time.  I prepared packets for their reading session.
We are at the 24' table mark with 16' having
or using both sides of the table.  I still haven't figured out the "where is the cashier sitting" part.
Oct 22nd I'm driving down to Sioux Falls and the to Duluth November 5th.
Norm likes staying behind.  I like getting out.
....Now to continue working on improving the website.......

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

August 17, 2011

We are rushing into fall.  Carol is also working on finding music for her kid's choirs.  Our church has totally contemporary music, so I'm always looking for music that we sing at church that has been arranged for handbells.  Not easy.
I'm going to set up the web site the rest of this month for new items that we've bought and in which people may be interested.  I need to find a person for Bell Folk and Stuff for either September or October.
Anyway, keep focused on what's ahead.  What's behind is already finished.

Monday, August 1, 2011

August 1, 2011

Well, we had a blast at the National Seminar.  We are looking at 2 -3 more sight ringing sessions for Duluth in 2012.  Check the Area 7 site for all event information.  Plus don't forget the Bells of the Lakes workshop August 27th at Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church, Minneapolis. 
August 1st through 13th is our extra 3% discount over and above our regular discount.  Check About Us on our Home Page to see the regular discount information.
Have a great time looking over all of the new music.  What a blessing that we have so many talented composers.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

July 20, 2011

The National Seminar in Minneapolis was awesome.  So many people remembered Norm and welcome him back after however many years of absence.  He was afraid no one would remember him and yet, they did.
Carol met people she had been facebooking with: Gail and Erin Downey, Michele Sharik, Rima G (I'm going to spell her name wrong.)  What an eventful batch of packed days, classes, concerts, going through the exhibits, eating....talking.  I felt really good about the networking that we did, the customers that came to our exhibit, the sales. 
People are enjoying the chocolates and the novelty items we are displaying.  We need get more space so that we can have more music out.  Both of us are more excited about this year.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

July 12, 2011

Excitement grows.  You can here the music:  the timpani is pounding, violins are bowing ferociously, the trumpets are calling, the hairs on your neck start rising, goosebumps up and down your arms....It's almost here!!!!
I can barely wait!!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

july overstock list

SKU
Title
12127
Abiding Joy
AG 35026
Adagio
AG 35072
Adios!
PSM 4-17
Ah Holy Jesus
11440664
Air from Water Music
976604
Alas And Did my Savior Bleed
HP 5209
All Glory Laud and Honor
HP 5210
All Glory Laud and Honor
975847
All Glory Laud and Honor
AG 23017
All Things Bright and Beautiful
HP 5235
All Through the Night
1497
Allegro Brillante
976915
Amazing Grace
CGB 392
Amazing Grace
SG 5922
Angel Gabriel, The
1478
Bach Pastorale
FBBG 0957
Balm in Gilead, A
CGB 286
Be Thou My Vision
977133
Beach Spring Stomp
CGB 075
Bells in the Steeple
11440714
Bells of Praise
1418
Bellude of Praise
1194
Belpre
1778
Billboard March, The
AG 4040
Bless This Child
HP 5310
Blessed Assurance
LS 90018
Blessed Assurance with Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
LS 93033
Blessed Exaltation
AG 35069
Blue Danube Waltzes, The
12027
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
AG 003
Busy Ringer Series - Collection 1
JHS 9049
Call Change Ringing
LS 90016
Canterbury Chimes
976380
Canticle
1150
Canticle of Hope
AG 23013
Cantus Invenilis (Youthful Song)
AG 45053
Cantus Invenilis (Youthful Song)
CGB 371
Carillon
201105
Carillon Christmas
HP 5163
Carillon Te Deum
AG 35052
Cathedral Prelude and Psalm
HP 5045
Celebration
1373
Celebration Fanfare
AG 35056
Chorale Prelude on Jesus Christ is Risen Today
AG 3014
Christ is Born
SHB 22
Christmas Fanfares for Handbells
SHB 67
Christmas Has Come Again
HL 5031
Christmas Joy
HL 5088
Christmas Joy
HP 5263
Church's One Foundation, The
RO 2901
Cold December Flies Away
976117
Come Christians Join To Sing
CGB 152
Come Let Us Eat
JHS 9174
Come Thankful People
LS 001
Come Ye Faithful Raise the Strain
2388
Come Christians Join to Sing
AG 45045
Come O Spirit Dwell Among Us
AG 45046
Come O Spirit Dwell Among Us
AG 45046
Come, O Spirit! Dwell Among Us
12111
Come Shepherds Rise!
1689
Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus 
AG 5023
Concert Variations on a Theme in g minor
1042
Coronation March from The Prophet
AG 57004
Coventry Carol
1891
Crown Him Lord of All
AG 23007
Crown Him With Many Crowns
977006
Dance Americana!
HP 5190
Daystar
201020
Easter Rejoicing
JHS 9173
Ein Feste Burg
1430
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
HP 5293
Fantasy on Hyfrydol
12092
Fantasy on Lasst Uns Erfreuen
1857
Feliz Navidad
201066
Festal Fanfare on Darwall's 148th
SHB 02
Festival Day
CGB 112
Festival Jubilate
AG 36001
Festival of Joy
AG 3019
Festival Overture
LS 90014
Festival Peal
LS 002
Festival Piece on Hyfrydol
1110659
Festival Sanctus
CPBS 0555
Festive Dance
AG 2023
Festive Peal, A
AG 45043
Festive Praises
AMHB 10
Festive Prelude on In Babilone
201080
First  Noel, The
PSOB 003
French Noel
SG 2891
Friendly Beasts, The
AG 34016
Frolic
JHS 9348
Furioso
HP 5032
Genesis
976578
Gift of Finest Wheat
201036
Gifts of the Magi
AG 35022
Giubileo
1924
Go Tell It on the Mountain with "Troika" from Lieutenant Kije Suite
12159
Good Christians Friends Rejoice
AG 35141
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
976121
Head That Once Was Crowned, The
1725
He's Got the Whole World
AG 35065
Holly and the Ivy, The
1978
Holly and the Ivy, The
RO 1204
Hosanna Loud Hosanna
MSM 30806
How Firm a Foundation
HP 5280
Hymn of Grateful Praise
SFP 124
I Love You Lord
HP 5323
I Wonder as I Wander
RW 8171
If I Take the Wings of the Morning
976826
Invocation
977189
Jesus I Will Ponder Now
976826
Invocation
977189
Jesus I Will Ponder Now
SG 3921
Jingle Bells
2157
Joy to the World 
1111161
Kyrie
AG 45033
Lacrymosa
CP 7020
Let's Ring Disney Classics
2253
Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending
CGB 243
Lord's My Shepherd, The
12118
Lullaby Carol
NM 381
Luther's Chorale
AG 35106
Mallet Madness
L 262
Marantha
CGB 104
March
HP 5321
Meditation on Forest Green
MSM 30801
Meditation on Morecambe
PSM 3-54
Meditation on Veni Emmanuel
L 318
Meditation on Were You There?
1421
Medley on the Cross
1186
Melody in F
1840
Merry Melody, A
PSM 3-55
Midnight Stars Make Bright the Sky
1611
Mighty Fortress is Our God
AG 35034
Military March
1110552
Morning Has Broken
RO 1801
Morning Prayer and Vespers
CGB 167
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
L 352
My Lord What a Morning
MSM 30301
Nearer to the Cross
CGB 105
O Christmas Tree
12065
O Come O Come Emmanuel
1894
O Jesus I Have Promised
SG 104
O Little One Sweet
976844
Of the Father's Love Begotten
201236
Onward Soldiers
AG 23450
Our National Anthem
1385
Pavane
1320
Peals of Praise
2139
People Look East
1110046
Picardy and Star Song
RO 3229
Pilgrims and Praise A la Carte
L 379
Praise
1110630
Praise God Praise Him
1110352
Praise Him Praise Him and Jesus Loves Me
1718
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
1719
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
1974
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
12131
Praise Thou the Lord O My Soul
AG 46002
Praise to the Lord
201010
Praise with Timbrel and Dance
12087
Prelude XXII
AG 3053
Psalm   9
SPHB 121
Psalm of the Dove
CGB 115
Quiet Alleluia, A
BP 457932
Rejoice
1110808
Rejoice in God's Saints or Sing Praise to the Lord
976388
Rejoice O Pilgrim Throng
1613
Rejoice the Lord is King
AG 45048
Requiem
AG 3035
Ring for Joy
RRBL 5016
Rise Up O Church of God
HP 5334
Risen Today Alleluia
49442100
Rocking Carol
AG 45028
Rondo del Espanol
49442101
Rondeau in C
1218
Roulade
1219
Roulade
RW 8121
Saints Medley
0012380
St Anthony Chorale
1110633
Shall We Gather at the River
FBF 0702
Sing and Rejoice (Ring and Rejoice)
1374
Solemn Passacaglia
CGB 118
Song of Jubilation
CGB 477
This is My Father's World
NM 270
Two Narratives: 1) The Storm 2) The Feeding
49442025
Two Noels
L 328
Unto Us a Boy is Born, Noel
1110703
Variations on Kingsfold
1414
Variations on Mit Freuden Zart
1413
Variations on Mit Freuden Zart
SFP 120
Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
LS 93031
Visions
1110634
Wake Awake for Night is Flying
LA 1038
Waltz of the Toys
LA 1100
Washiki Kane-Dokei (Japanese Chime Clock)
1699
We Praise Thee O God Our Redeemer
1701
Were You There on That Christmas Night?
1267
Were You There?
AG 35025
What Child is This
AG 3061
What Child is This
976153
What Child is This
AMHB 18
Winds Through the Olive Tree
CGB 130
Woodland Sketch, A