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Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Chocolate Soup Lady: Woman's dream is now Mariposa landmark

MARIPOSA -- Upon entering a home, when a visitor sees an attractive table setting, the thought isn't as much, "What a lovely plate," but "What a beautiful woman." And whenever you enter a certain gift shop in Mariposa, the same feeling pervades.

This is a story about such a woman. Yet, more than that, it's a story about a woman and a community who have forged a relationship over the years, causing all involved to become richer for the experience.

Elaine Seymour will tell you she's no businesswoman. She's merely a person who had a dream and loved a house. And when the Matlock family was ready to sell, they called Elaine. It was a charming red-and-white, two-story house surrounded by tall trees and lush grounds that she quickly turned into a gift shop called Chocolate Soup. That was 15 years ago. Since then this charming store has become an integral part of Mariposa life.

"I've lived in many places in my lifetime," said Seymour. "My father brought me to these mountains for the first time, and I fell in a creek. It was then I decided, someday I would live here."

Seymour and her family moved to the mountains over 30 years ago, and folks around town will say they're the most giving family they know. Seymour was in real estate, working with her daughter, Gerry, when Gerry got sick. After several months, her daughter died. The memorial service was held at the high school, and when Seymour and her husband drove into the parking lot, it was full of cars. She figured there must be a game going on. They had no idea those cars belonged to the hundreds of people who came to support the family in their time of grief.

She didn't want to continue in real estate, so she used her creative talent to decorate a room at a local gift shop, the Jail House. Eventually, she filled a room in another shop. And then the Matlocks approached her with their offer. She's still in awe.

"I don't ever want to take anything for granted," she continued. "I say to myself, 'I really live here, and this shop is really mine.'"

Four other women work with Elaine in the store, each of them providing necessary skills that keep the business afloat, and that keep them out of each others' way.

When Denise Allen retired from the food service industry in Santa Clara, she moved to Oakhurst. A friend suggested she apply for a job at Chocolate Soup, so she sent her resume. She got a job.

Allen has incredible business sense, allowing Seymour to concentrate on decorating, which she does extremely well. And all agree that each of them is valuable to the success of the shop. With the five ladies each having lost a loved one, there's a strong connection.

Recently a shop owner in town learned she has cancer, and the businesses raised $6,000 in one weekend to help her. During the Telegraph Fire last year, a little boy's birthday party was canceled. His family moved into the temporary shelter set up in the elementary school's cafeteria. Chocolate Soup and the other Mariposa shops donated items so he could have his party.

It's not uncommon for shopkeepers to suggest a store across town, when a customer comes looking for something in particular.

One family wanted a wall hanging with an inspirational saying woven on it, to encourage a child with a disability. When a stain was discovered on the fabric, Seymour gave it to them, and said if they could get the stain out, to send her the money, but if they couldn't, it was theirs.

During its annual holiday open house and through the entire holiday season, Seymour and various product vendors donate proceeds to a favorite local charity, the Manna House, because it, too, is such a vital part of Mariposa.

"This shop isn't about buying and selling," Seymour instisted. "It's about having a responsibility to the community. My customers are the people of Mariposa. Tourists are just the icing on the cake."

Folks have discovered that they're welcome to just come and look around. Or they can sit at a table outside and relax. It's a comfy place to shop for just the right gift, but it's also a place that brings a smile.

When Seymour visited Daniel Boone's home back east, she noticed that even though there were holes in the limestone walls just big enough to poke a rifle through, the home was furnished with fine items brought over from Europe. She learned that even when living in the wilderness, most people prefer nice furnishings and accessories, to make family life comfortable.

Chocolate Soup is the kind of place that offers beauty to everyone who enters its doors. It's a shop that's filled with all the right stuff for making lasting memories.

Said Seymour: "We all have something we're supposed to do in life, and right now, I'm supposed to be here."

Debbie Croft writes about life in the foothill communities. She can be reached at composed@tds.net, or at her Sun-Star blog: City Girl, Country Life.