Darting fish and tumbled stones

Reviewing my notes taken at the new gift shop, the Odd Pony, in Woodfords reminds me of the party game where the hostess displays a selection of items on a tray to all guests for a brief amount of time. After the tray is whisked out of sight, the guest who lists the most objects is declared the winner and is awarded a prize.

I feel like I am a winner, and I came away with a prize, even though I can't remember all of the items displayed in the Odd Pony.

If you walk into the shop from the door by the kitchen counter of Woodfords Station, a large aquarium with darting fish is captivating. If you enter from the front door on the porch, real leaves that have been alchemized magically into gold or ruby-red catch the eye. If you walk past the frog fountain, the tiny fairy sculptures, the stuffed "night mares" or the knobby-knitted long and narrow scarves, the tie-dyed silky dresses and skirts, you might focus on the tumbled-stone bracelets in the basket on the back counter.

This was the first time that I met the Odd Pony owner Roma Morris, and I was struck by her platinum hair, flowing aquamarine dress, tumbled-stone necklace and bracelet and quiet demeanor.

Even though this resident of Woodfords only has had her shop open for a month, she told me that she's been on a long quest to seek out the most unusual, reasonably-priced gifts. Above all, her wish is to provide a friendly and comfortable place to relax. Roma is planning to host small workshops in her place and explains, "I don't have any firm dates so far, but there seems to be interest in stones and crystals and their properties, drumming, and personal awareness and development. I look forward to any suggestions that the locals might have."

She likes meeting the people who come into the Odd Pony and says, "You never know who will stop in! The slow pace of Woodfords, and the nature of a gift shop, provides me with the opportunity to not only get to know my neighbors, but also to speak with many visitors from other areas and even other countries. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am fascinated by the differing perspective and experiences of all the people that I meet."

Women may describe their favorite treasures in a hand-made "wish book" and before birthdays or anniversaries, when friends or family members are drinking coffee or buying lottery tickets in Woodfords Station, they can then peek into the book to have ideas revealed. As Roma says, "This makes it painless for guys to shop for their loved ones."

Roma is embarking upon her third career. She was first in real estate and then was co-founder of an investment analysis firm.

"Although those occupations brought a certain sense of satisfaction and prosperity, I never really felt like I was making much of a difference. When people come into the Odd Pony, they always seem happy. Happy to have found something unusual for a loved one that is hard to shop for, happy to have found something that makes them laugh, or simply happy to have found an unexpected treasure that brings them joy or comfort personally. I feel really good about that, and no longer lay in bed at nights wondering if what I do is worthwhile (which is something that often plagued me before)."

Roma expresses gratitude to those who have contributed toward making her gift shop a reality.

"Dave and Lynda Kirby not only have provided the space, but have been a source of inspiration and knowledge and put up with all the frou-frou that now is attached to their general store. Also, I appreciate my significant other, Ed, who has donated countless hours of labor, remodeling, display design and incredible faux painting, my son Ian and his friends for all their labor, my daughter Brandy, who covers for me on occasion and has an incredible flair for decorating and Missy Wolf for providing many of the display cabinets."

In case you're wondering what prize I won from my "remembrance game" notes, it's my new friendship with Roma.

The Odd Pony is located on Old Pony Express Road in Woodfords and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays "when the pony has to graze." The phone number is (530) 694-2605.

n Gina Gigli is a Markleeville resident. Reach her at ginagigli@villagigli.com.