West Seattle businesses: Red Cup’s ‘inspiration for us all,’ Elois

Last week, we wrote about the conversation brewing about West Seattle’s independent local businesses and the ways in which they make our community better. Here’s more proof. A few days ago, we received a note from the owners of Red Cup Espresso in The Junction, who wanted to give a shout-out to someone special:

In today’s fast-paced world, the small things are often forgotten. The things we take for granted are often overlooked, and the beauty we search for, more often than not, lies right before our eyes. A simple hello or a smile can have a tremendous effect on a person’s day. The connections born from casual everyday conversations slowly blossom into everlasting relationships. The Red Cup Family would like to express our gratitude for the beautiful flowers planted this year at the shop. All of this could not be so, without the skillful direction of West Seattle’s own Elois Gruenhagen. A longtime Seattle resident, Elois fills our hearts every day with stories of the farm, her teaching career, and her knowledge of all things plantlike. She has been an inspiration for us all, and continues to surprise and make us laugh. We are honored to have the opportunity to give someone a platform to express themselves. If you’re in the area, feel free to drive by and look at her work!

It makes us smile, to see her smile.

Thank you, Elois,
Samir, Breanna, and Gina

14 Replies to "West Seattle businesses: Red Cup's 'inspiration for us all,' Elois"

  • Nichole Rivera June 14, 2013 (11:35 am)

    Wonderful letter! Post lots of pics on your FB page of the flowers :)

  • skeptic June 14, 2013 (11:41 am)

    Thank you for brightening my days Elois, Samir and Breanna.

  • BsMomma June 14, 2013 (12:40 pm)

    I Love this lady! She was my 1st grade teacher. :). She taught us so much about plants! She still recognizes and knows me by name 20 years later! Either the gardening keeps her sharp or I haven’t aged………..

  • Helen Johnson June 14, 2013 (12:47 pm)

    Elois Gruenhagen was my first grade teacher. She was and still is a FABULOUS and BEAUTIFUL woman INSIDE AND OUT! She taught me SO MANY things about plants and making beautiful, homemade cards. Most importantly, she taught me the value of friendship and the significance of letting people know that you care. :^) My family still receives a Christmas card and letter from her every year and it has been almost thirty years since I was her student. She is AMAZING and I am SO GRATEFUL to see her smiling face on the WS Blog today! :^)

    THANK YOU, MRS. GRUENHAGEN FOR BEING SUCH AN INCREDIBLE INSPIRATION, TEACHER, FRIEND, AND ALL-AROUND GENUINELY WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING! :^)

  • miws June 14, 2013 (12:59 pm)

    This is what community is all about!

    .

    Thank you, Elois, and Red Cup!

    .

    Mike

  • Anne June 14, 2013 (1:06 pm)

    Elois Gruenhagen is a real gem. She taught not only my son & daughter-in-law in First Grade at Hope Lutheran School-she was their daughters’ teacher as well! A friend & I were walking by Red Cup yesterday as she was pulling weeds in the parking strip & she took a tumble. Several of us helped her up & into Red Cup to take a break-but something tells me she was right back at it!
    Thank you Mrs. Gruenhagen for being a true spirit of West Seattle!

  • vicky mckim June 14, 2013 (2:28 pm)

    Elois taught both of my children in first grade. She is an amazing teacher and her knowledge of children’s books is unmatched! She is kind to everyone!

  • Michael Shaw June 14, 2013 (2:38 pm)

    When she was my son’s teacher, she gave me comforting insight about what to worry and what to let go. We were blessed to have crossed paths with her.

  • Elizabeth MacKenzie June 14, 2013 (3:58 pm)

    Mrs. Gruhenhagen is a truly beautiful person as are you wonderful folks at Red Cup and West Seattle Blog! I’m so happy to be part of this community and that you have found eachother.

  • Linda K L June 14, 2013 (4:01 pm)

    What a great story. She Elois was my first grade teacher and taught me to read. She gave me a love for reading that endures still today. I was blessed to teach with her for 2 years at the same school. I was and still am in awe of her, as she has so many talents and a big heart to go along with them. I still think of her when I see books like, “The Family Under the Bridge”, “Charlotte’s Web” and “Island of the Blue Dolphins”. Thank you Elois for all you have given to so many!

  • justme June 14, 2013 (5:19 pm)

    I love Elois! I see her often and love to stop and chat. She is a great reminder to live life to its fullest and keep moving. She walks every day and is in great shape too.
    Thank you Elois for contributing to this great community with style and warmth. ;)

  • Mary E OConnor June 14, 2013 (5:51 pm)

    Sweet lady!

  • Red Cup Espresso June 14, 2013 (6:30 pm)

    We are thrilled to see Elois getting the recognition she deserves! Thank you all for chiming in and sharing your stories. She will be recieving printed copies of them and a frame of her special spot on the blog Monday. :)

    Please take a look at our album of flowers on our facebook page. I will share your comments with her. What a beautiful community we all have! Thank ya’ll again!
    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.594737093892055.1073741826.266816343350800&type=1

    Love, Red Cup Espresso Fam

  • Marie Tornow June 14, 2013 (8:58 pm)

    Not only is Elois a wonderful person, avid gardener and taught thousands of children to read in her career, but she continues to grow her talents and is now becoming such a wonderful photographer! She is generous beyond measure and is always the one to give of her talents to cheer others. I am proud to call her a friend and see her as an example.

Sorry, comment time is over.