Commentary by Julie Osborne
It was not my plan. This year, I was holding out with shopping until after Thanksgiving. But my work on the gift guide turned personal as I uncovered unique gifts and surprising stories while wandering around town.
As a writer, I love a good pen and found many options at Avalon Jewelers on Main Street. However, it was the small boxes stacked on shelves behind the counter that caught my attention – along with the heartwarming story that went with them.
“This was Terry’s creation,” owner Susan Schube said of her business partner, whose memorial service was just days earlier. “He decided inks were boring and said, ‘What if we make them in glorious colors?’” So he did. Right here in Zionsville with a local printer, bottles and chemist. “Private Reserve Ink” was born ten years ago and is now available in more than fifty colors for fountain pens and sold through more than 250 dealers nationwide.
Wherever I go, there is a story which usually catches me by surprise, and this was a perfect example. I was in search of a pen but instead found colors with a story that tugged at my heart. One thing Schube said speaks to the dedication and commitment I have heard from other merchants and residents in town.
“We make a living here, we live here, and we support Zionsville,” Schube said with tears welling in her eyes. I wish I had a chance to meet the other half of her “we” – Terry, whose vision and creativity live on in glorious color.
And my wandering continues …