Flowers Galore

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This is one of the several good things that came out of The Debacle as I like to call this past weekend's craft show - this bag I bought for myself. I always carry a very small purse but I carry a bigger bag to work too. Not really a brief case but usually a soft-sided black bag for carrying my camera, paperwork and misc junk that doesn't fit in my tiny purse. I decided weeks ago that my black bag is way too conservative and boring for a colorful chick like me so I've been sort of passively looking for a new one. I like to support crafters so I wanted a handmade one. This one, is totally me - colors, flowers, contrast, handmade, lots of pockets inside. So today will be it's maiden voyage to work.

I won't know my total from The Debacle for a week or two when Sharon sends me my check. I spent about 2 hours yesterday feeling sorry for myself, then crossed that off the to-do list and moved on. I'm always very motivated when it comes to Pine Tree Designs so I'm using this Debacle to add to that. As I often do after a show, I cleaned my studio yesterday - even vacuumed. Anyone who's been in here knows I'm usually ankle deep in paper bits.

I worked on a couple of orders for Bonnie & Sue. And I stitched the 3 pieces I'd punched of my own design, the one I showed posted here yesterday. I'll post the results tomorrow - I'm exceedingly happy with them.

I intended to work on opening my Etsy shop but never got to it. Next thing I knew, it was time to go to The Debacle to take down my booth. I have to admit, when we got there, I did slip into a bit of, well, embarrassment I think it was. I told Steve I felt like every person in that room knew I didn't sell much. Obviously, that's not true. But that's not a feeling I'm used to.

The thing is, I truly understand people not wanting to spend money. And I'm actually proud of them for paying attention to their financial state. That's what I'm doing. So I'm not "mad" at anyone for not buying my stuff.

Simon called me a few weeks ago, "Mom, what's a recession?" I explained as best I could. I told him last time we had a major recession was when I was about his age. At that time, I thought that's just how things were when one was an adult. I didn't know the economy could be better.

The next show is at Casa Larga, May 1. I'll definitely set the proper expectation.

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