Thankful...

May I expound for just a moment on just how much sheer joy I feel when a potential customer walks into my booth, instantly drawn to a piece, and falls head-over-heels in love??

I can spot the smitten from a distance, making a bee-line for my table like a heat-seeking missile achieving it's target.  On their face is a look of equal parts determination, concentration, and amore.  Upon reaching the object of their heart's desire a beautific smile spreads across their face and it's all over with but for wrapping it up.

For me, humble handcrafted jewelry artisan, that feeling of joy is one of the best things on the planet.  That feeling has become the very reason that compels me to transport numerous tables, plastic bins, and a very large and unwieldy canopy to to various locations most weekends to sell my wares.  That feeling is why I will spend good money for the opportunity to spend hours in the rain and cold during the winter months.  And just as many hours sweating under the scorching summer sun.  That feeling is why I will answer innumerable questions as to the location of the restrooms (most frequent inquiry), the ATM's, the information booth, the bar (more important to me that the restrooms!), and the kettle korn vendor.  For the pursuit of sheer joy my hands often look like the victims of an attack by a small ferocious wild-cat, covered in scratches and pinch marks from the legs of the unwieldy canopy.

And it is for that sheer joy that I am most grateful.  That I can touch someone's life with something created by my own two hands and heart is a great honor.  Thank you.