Mustard Seed LLC

08/10/2026

08/09/2026

Grizzly Antiques is open today with a lot of new stuff that John has priced and put out!

08/06/2026

That phrase, "I've stepped into it this time," took on a very literal meaning for me this morning.

On my way to The County Co-op and Farm Store for a bagel and an iced coffee (pause to savor), I suddenly felt something cold against the side of my foot in my flip-flops. "Huh," I thought. "I must've stepped into something."

It didn't take long to realize I'd stepped into a section of freshly poured concrete where the crews have been hard at work improving our downtown.

While I waited for my breakfast, I spent the next few minutes convincing myself it couldn't have been that bad. After all, my foot wasn't submerged or covered. Surely I'd only grazed the edge.
Coffee in one hand and bagel in the other, I stepped outside...

There it was.

One perfectly obvious crater in the middle of an otherwise beautifully smooth stretch of fresh concrete.

We have a problem.

Or...I'm one step closer (hah...get it?) to earning my star on Hollywood Boulevard.

I wandered over to one of J Mclaughlin Construction, LLC’s crew, confessed my crime, and waited for the verdict. Instead, he let out the biggest belly laugh, assured me it happens, and smoothed over the evidence. They couldn't have been kinder.

The best improvements usually get a little messy before they become beautiful. Downtown revitalization, businesses, dreams, and even people all seem to follow the same pattern. There are seasons of disruption, unexpected setbacks, and moments when it feels like progress is anything but graceful. Yet every step—even the awkward ones—is moving toward something better.

Lately, that's felt a lot like my own journey as I build what's next for Mustard Seed. Some days everything falls into place. Other days feel more like accidentally leaving a footprint in wet concrete. But I'm learning to trust the process, laugh at myself a little more, and remember that meaningful things are rarely built overnight.

I've also been reminded how incredibly blessed I am by the community God has given me. I'm surrounded by incredibly talented people—my own crew. We encourage one another, celebrate each other's victories, help shoulder the hard days, and keep believing in what we're building together. None of us does this alone.

So today, thank you to the men and women working so diligently to make our downtown better. Your craftsmanship, patience, and good humor don't go unnoticed. Houlton is becoming more beautiful because of your work.

And to the gentleman who graciously erased the evidence of my little adventure this morning...thank you.

I'll do my best to leave my mark on downtown in less literal ways from now on.

07/27/2026

A spontaneous trip to St. Andrews by-the-Sea turned into a few photographs I just had to bring home. These images, along with the one I shared yesterday, will soon be available at Mustard Seed in a variety of print sizes and finishes (without the watermark, of course). Note: The colored photograph of the ship is landscape, while the other two are portrait orientation.
If one catches your eye, send me a message to reserve a print or place a custom order!

07/27/2026

It's a little ironic coming from someone with a questionable track record of keeping houseplants alive, but I've been thinking about forests lately.

Every business has its own character, and together they create a downtown people want to explore, support, and return to. That's how I see our community—a forest, where each business adds something unique and the whole becomes stronger because of it.

You may have heard that HSC Auctions is moving to Serendipitous Dragonfly. While we'll definitely miss having them just a few steps away (don't worry—we'll happily make the walk!), their move has opened the door for a new chapter.

This fall, we're excited to add to the forest with Mustard Seed Trading Co. | Curated Goods & Gallery. (Pause for dramatic effect, squeals, and happy dancing…and maybe a little hyperventilating.)

Phew. Okay. Back on track.

Mustard Seed Trading Co. will be a place to discover thoughtfully chosen artwork, handmade pieces, vintage finds, books, home décor, and beautiful everyday objects—along with the stories behind them and the people who create them. We're excited to partner with artists, makers, collectors, pickers, and creative entrepreneurs, and we'll be sharing more about ways to be part of the journey as this vision continues to unfold.

Meanwhile, 39 Market Square will continue evolving into the quiet, creative home it's always wanted to be—a membership-based coworking studio designed for focused work, meetings, and creativity, with memberships and flexible day passes for those who need the space from time to time.

Like any good dream, this one has taken time to grow—and it will continue to do so. Thanks to your encouragement, support, and belief in Mustard Seed, we're finally able to bring it to life. We look forward to sharing renovations, branding, sneak peeks, and opportunities to be part of what's ahead. Whether you've stopped in to say hello, shared an idea, supported a project, cheered us on, or simply followed along, you've been part of this story from the beginning. Thank you for believing in what we're building—we truly couldn't do it without you.

Some things grow best when they're part of something bigger.

Ps: Thanks to the very talented Marguerite Small we have a website coming!

07/27/2026

Took a spontaneous drive to St. Andrews by the Sea in New Brunswick today with a friend. The entire area is picturesque but this was one of my favorites that I took while walking the wharf. (I’ll definitely be printing and framing this one.) One of the biggest perks of living in a small town at the end (or beginning?) of the I-95? Quick jaunts to the coast in TWO countries. Last weekend it was a daytrip to Roque Bluffs near Machias. Both were just a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive each way.

07/20/2026

One of the things I love most about Mustard Seed is that it has never just been about beautiful spaces or things —it's always been about making room for people.

This Wednesday from 9–11 a.m. at 39 Market Square, I'd love for you to stop by as we host Living Innovations for an open-house conversation about inclusion, community, and the many ways ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.

You don't have to stay the whole time—even 10 minutes matters. Every conversation, every connection, and every small act of kindness helps build a community where everyone belongs. If this message resonates with you, would you share this post? You never know who might be looking for a place to connect or a way to make a difference.