Rambling 9: Wet

No walk this  morning - RAIN. Butler doesn't understand and doesn't like being wet. Whatever happened to his morning stroll? On the other hand you can practically hear the trees, bushes and grass singing in the rain.

Yesterday's Market Days was cut short by a series of  showers. From 1:00 on we were sporatically getting downpours. Oh well, the beginning was bustling. Good news for me comments about the new corduroy jumpers and long-sleeved onesies were positive. Whew!!

So sewing and rearranging while looking out at the wet. Good Sunday!

Rambling 8: Let It Rain

Nope, not a drop yet. Georgetown Market Days  has begun. Come on down. I'm leaving shortly ro relieve Jennifer D, MamaDs shortly. I'll only be there for a couple of hours. The wonderful thing about having a younger partner is that they do the setting up and breaking down. I wish I had that kind of energy and physical ability still.

Rain is still predicted for later - just like I wished. Hope, hope hope we get some rain. Everything is so dry and dusty. Maybe in tomorrow's ramblings I'll have something good to report.

Meantime come and visit. I promise you Jenny D has some great bags using beautiful materials, also, burp cloths, bibs etc for babies. And don't forget to look at Annarella Girl. Lots of new dresses, jumpers and onesies. And cute headbands to go with them.

So have I begged enough? See you.

Rambling 7: Weather Aches

Cloudy skies. Looks like rain. Further proof that we might see some wet stuff - my aching knees and back. For you youngsters out there it is true, old bones trumpet changes in the weather. It seems our battered joints are like little barometers registering the change in pressure with pain. This morning's walk was difficult.

On the other hand yesterday's meeting with friend was very productive. She asked insightful questions, gave good observations and encouraged me to continue with my efforts. I've bot a letter ready to be sent to people I hope might be interested. Now I'm working on an outline of  purpose, structure and benefits of my proposed craft cooperative. Hope to have that done by next week. I'm feeling energized!!!

A note about "occupation." The talking heads are all over this new movement - analyzing it, dissecting it, comparing it, etc. In other words trying to suck the life out of it. It appears to be an honest outcry against corporate greed and government inaction. Pretty straight forward. It is based on anger. Ordinary hard working Americans are tired of corporations so worried about a small drop in profits that they don't care how badly they abuse their customers.

Examples - airlines charging for first bag. doesn't make sense. There customer is a traveler who must have baggage to carry what they will need for their trip. They are charging for a necessity. (Thank you Southwest Airlines for not doing this.) If the airlines need to keep their profits up maybe they need to look toward cutting their executives salaries and bonuses. I'm sure they could save some money there.
And Bank of America's latest suggestion to charge their customers for bank card access to their own money. Egregious. Aggressively anti-consumer. No wonder people are angry.

Ordinary citizens are tired, disgusted and a bit embarassed by our politicians. The fighting and inaction is harmful to our economy. The name-calling behavior is nothing short of criminal to citizens who are looking for jobs, trying to raise families on less, striving to survive. They can't believe that these people they elected can't do their jobs better. They can't believe these people they elected do not care about doing their jobs. They feel betrayed and ignored. And now they are angry.  Maybe by "occupying" they can get some attention. Politicians and corporations listen - the sound you hear is change,

Enough sermonizing for today.   

Rambling 6: Crafty Thoughts

Today I meeting with a friend to discuss the craft cooperative idea. I need her help to focus on a concept. She and I have worked together in the past. We make good partners. Her organizational abilities offset and compliment my vague dreaminess. How does she combine a creative imagination with the ability to dot the i's? She probably doesn't even realize what an unusual combination of skills she has.

I've been doing some research. Trying to stumble over an ideas/ideas that resonate with me. What I am learning is that there are a lot of crafters who want to run a successful business and are exploring some interesting avenues. Right in my own back yard is Austin Craft Mafia. Nine incredibly talented people who have supported each other and the craft scenefor a while. It is also very interesting to see how each individual has evolved. Thought provoking. Awe inspiring. They have encouraged a bunch of craft mafia groups across the U.S.

So off to coffee, talk and imagine. I'll keep you all updated since I know my walks will be filled with thinking about the possibilities.

Rambling 5: Mixed Up

When I started this, I said that my early morning walk with Butler has become my favorite part of the day. I must revise that thought. Truly the best part of the walk is the end. After breathing all the fresh air, relishing the touch of cool air on my skin, The first cup of coffee on returning home is the best. As I round the final corner to home, I can almost smell the coffee brewing, and my hands feel the smooth warmth of my chosen mug. Ahhh!

Irony. The weather people are predicting a real chance for rain on Saturday, Georgetown Market Days. We need rain desperately, so I can't hope against it, but.... For all the organizers, the vendors, merchants and attendees, I hope for sun until 5pm. Then the skies can open up with a soaking rain. By the way rain or shine, Mama Ds and Annarella Girl will be set up on Main street between 7th and 8th.

Until tomorrow.

Rambling 4, Georgetown Market Days

The week before a show always has a different rhythm. Georgetown Market Days (click on highlight for time, place and other info.) is this Saturday. Even though it is a small event, Mama Ds (check out etsy shop for wonderful new bags.) and I hope to get some positive feedback on new items, some sales and some special orders. Is that too much to ask? In the 4 days remaining in the week there are lots of odds and ends. Making sure display stuff is ready. Finding a few shirts and tights to display with clothes. Gathering all the bags, business cards, receipt books, etc.

I still have a list of clothes I wish I could make. Not enough time. But I am excited to see how the audience likes the corduroy jumper. (Be prepared for a week of whine if the comments aren't good.) Also, the long sleeved onesie. We, craft show exhibitors, get anxious before shows. Will you love us? Will you ignore us?

Off to finish a jumper. See you tomorrow.

Rambling 3 Shades of Gray

Are any of you fans of Andy Rooney? I've always enjoyed his view of life's particulars. Last night CBS' 60 Minutes said goodbye to him as a regular contributor. I will miss his end pieces. They made me laugh and nod in familiarity. Can you believe he is 92? What a lot of life and changes he's seen and commented on!

Morely Safer interviewed Andy about his career and his beliefs, and he said one thing that really struck a chord with me. When asked about his politics, he said, "I'm more democratic than republican." In 5 words he wrote volumes. Our political world has become so black and white - republican or democrat. But the reality is that most of us are a mix of both. Few of us, at least the ones I know, believe 100% in what either party stands for. We are shades of gray. We lean more to one party than another, but we appreciate stands in each. I think it is important to recognise our similarities, to applaud our grays. Maybe this would be a step toward compromise and therefore progress.

Monday thoughts for a better world.