The up's and DOWN'S of being a vendor/seller!

     Wow!  What a difference a few days can make.  A few weeks ago I participated in a wonderful show called "The Gypsy Market" at the Klein Center in Spring, Tx.  It's a large event with hundred's of vendors.  I was selling my wonderful vintage clothing and accessories next to my booth buddy Trisha who sells many great items that she makes herself.

A sweet customer at the Gypsy Market

     It was pouring down rain almost the entire 3-days of the show and, even though this is an indoor show, rain is usually death to an event like this.  HOWEVER, this show not only flourished despite all the wetness going on but was full of great people who were buying, buying, BUYING!!  I did very well at that show. $$$$$$$

    On to the next weekend which was our usual monthly Winnie Trade Days show (see my previous post titled "Did you know I have a shop?")--it was horrible!  It rained for Friday and Saturday at this show and there was almost NO ONE shopping!  Sunday turned into a beautiful day with very cool temps and lots of sunshine---and the people came, HOWEVER they were just not buying!! We barely made rent.   $$$$$$

The very next weekend we had the Flea fest, a 2 day show in Lake Charles, Louisiana.   Talk about a BIG show!!  There had to be at least 10,000 people coming through and they were buying.  We didn't do as well as the Gypsy Market but it was good.  $$$  It's an outside show under a covered pavilion and only twice a year.  And look where we stayed:

L'auberge Casino, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jonathan and I in front of their fabulous fountain

Jonathan learning how to gamble---NOT!

     Yes, we got to stay at a casino!  I've never been to one before and never gambled but I must say it was fun!!  My close friend and her husband took us to dinner and then the casino part of the hotel---I watched mostly while she played. 

     And so, the moral of this story is:  in this type of business it's usually 'feast or famine' and often nothing in between.  You leave some shows smiling and too many others wondering why you where there!  And why am I sharing all this with you?  Not to discourage you, but if you are thinking about breaking away from the 9 to 5 scene, be wise and be prepared!!  Plan, research and PRAY because you must have patience and tons of FAITH!!  Search your heart and again, PRAY--great things happen when you do!!

Ps 121:2 "My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth."

Brayden at our shop--he works VERY hard there!





 

   And so, I leave you with a picture of my precious grandson Brayden resting in our shop (we sold that chair by the way!)

 

 

God Bless all and any who read this,

 

Pat, My Kitschy Closet

www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com



 

Too little time, too much to do!!

     When I first started this blog I made myself a promise NOT to let too much time go by between posts......well, that didn't happen!!

     It's been almost a month since my last post and I can't understand where the time has gone!  Of course, if I take a deep breath and really, really LOOK at my schedule I would definitely see almost minute by minute how I used that time.

     My last post was after my Winnie Trade Days show but before the Gypsy Market sale (which was a phenomenal sale for us!!).   We are going to Winnie again this weekend (it's monthly) and to the Fleafest in Lake Charles, Louisiana the weekend after this.  Then only a few shows after that till Christmas.  Combine this with a full-time job, trying to be creative, helping to raise my grandson Brayden who lives with me AND trying to sell online........well, you can see where all those minutes, hours, DAYS have gone!!

     BUT, this is not what this blog is about (ok, maybe just a little).  It's about priorities and placing the things that are important in our lives first.
   
    In our home and in my life we try to place God first, always looking to him for guidance, substance and pretty much everything!  He is a good Heavenly Father and watches over us with a loving and gracious hand.  And I used the word "try" because we are human after all and don't always succeed in these areas. There are soooooo many times when the stress of just breathing overcomes us and it's much easier to panic then to hold on for that answer from God.  But ultimately, my family and I believe His is the one true path that will eventually direct us to a more peaceful existence.  And I do so need a peaceful existence!!

     Don't mean to get on my soap box or preach... and if you are a non-believer in these matters I certainly don't mean to offend.  But this is who I am, what I am and how I live my life, no apologies for this, just explanation of actions.

     Family is of course highly important and my wonderful grandson Brayden has a very special place in my heart---he is the love of my life!!  We play together, work together and more importantly pray together.  He is very strong willed but has a kind heart......he will often share his candy with me!

 

Brayden at the book store--he LOVES books!!

Brayden in his Capt. American costume

Brayden loves his mommy and went in her room and fell asleep in the floor while waiting for her to come home!

Brayden with his mommy, my daughter Brittany

This is a wonderful young lady who bought this vintage dress from me--she was amazing and rocks that dress!!

Just thought I'd throw this one in the mix---my sisters and me a long time ago!!  Guess which one is me (hint: I'm the baby of the family)

     There are so many things that try to distract us from the important things in our lives.  My hope and prayer for all who read this is that you find the important things in your life, the things that will not only help you rise higher but will also bring positive changes to those around you.  God's intent was for us to enjoy our lives, to move ahead with all throttles open, focused and centered on our 'goal'!!
                                                   "We’ve only got one shot,
                                                       Gonna take it now,
                                                    Goin’ all in, gonna make it count,
                                                        Won’t look back, gonna set my eyes
                                                   ‘Cause there ain’t no practice runs in life
                                                
                                                          This is not a test, it is the real thing!"
                                                                                        Toby Mac - 'This is not a test"

Till next time, God Bless all and any who read this,

Pat
My Kitschy Closet