A Broken Table Breaks the Ice

As you probably know Saturday was a big day for me and my candles.

I had been invited to participate in an event in our local mall.

It was for up and coming artisans.

I was the only candle maker,

There was a soap maker, several seamstresses,

a lady who put together packets of premixed baking products,

a jewelry maker, a photographer, a leatherworker

and more.

We all showed up bright and early and set up the tables provided 

for us by the mall staff.

Mine was fully loaded with candles.

Heavy, heavy candles.

 It was fun to use the crackle candle holders to prop up glass shelving.

It was a last minute thought before we walked out the door

and Warren grabbed the glass shelves from the garage

so that I could try it once we got here.

 Years ago Beverly and I had picked the shelves up 

with a hope, even then, that we would one day have 

a little shop.

They have just been waiting......

still waiting.

But at least they got a little use on Saturday.

Two bears came along as cute filler.

The flower arrangement would probably have 

sold if I had offered.

One woman just kept commenting on how pretty it 

was....but I resisted setting a price

because I love it too.

It is one of a kind. 

I made it from a canister picked up 

on clearance because it had no lid.

The prices in the frames were a fun little touch I did this time.

They seemed to work for most people.

Some, didn't read them though.

So, anyway, back to the story.

I was all set up facing the way the organizer had intended.

But, it seemed that all of the traffic was behind me and the other vendors.

So, the ladies behind me approached me about turning our tables around

to face the crowds.

They turned theirs.

A while later we decided to turn mine.

That's when it turned nearly tragic.

With two of us on each side we began to move the table.

The brace that ran from one end of the table to the other

came out and the table began collapsing.

It was terrible.

The candles were hanging on by some miracle.

The ladies said they had the table and I'd better get over 

there and pull all the the stuff down to the floor 

before it fell there.

So, there I was apologizing to them and grabbing candles.

We ended up with quite a mess on the floor.

Mall security came over and alerted the organizer 

that we had an issue with the table.

They all agreed it was broken.

What we are not sure of is if it was already 

defective or if we caused it by lifting it while full.

But either way...it had to be replaced.

So....I waited.

Beside my pile of candles and decor.

Then when they brought me a new table

I set it up facing the crowds of people.

I felt so embarrassed. 

It looked as if I got there late and was just setting up.

However, I just had to put the pride aside 

and get it done!

If you have ever been a vendor at a craft show

you know that cautious feeling between vendors.
Well, if this was there before it was certainly gone
after that near catastrophe.
We became great friends and had a wonderful
day together.

Sales were meager...because it really isn't
gift buying time at the mall.
It was back to school time.
However, I did meet some wonderful
people who happen to love soy candles enough
to buy them on a hot day in August.

It wasn't just me.
All of the vendors felt the pinch but we agreed
that we would love to do this event in time for
Mother's Day or Christmas.

I would love to spend the day with them again.

I also have to thank my friend Melissa
for coming just in time.
As I was working alone you can imagine that
I needed a break now and then.
She came just in the nick of time!

She also helped me eat fun mall food.
Everything from Auntie Anne's pretzel dogs
to peanut butter and chocolate custard. 
If that wasn't quite enough she bought
a mini Cinna-bon and split it with me.
Now that is a friend.

Also appearing were our friends
Dave, Mindy and their daughter Hannah.
We had a blast laughing at with Dave
who had worked all night and hadn't slept.

I'm so thankful for friends.
Friends make life so much more fun!