For a moment, anyway. Last week we wrapped up our last show of the year at the Chi Omega Christmas Market. It ended up being our best show ever! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support of my customers this year. It is still humbling to me when I am backed up with orders at a show, and there are people that are willing to wait over 2 hours for me to finally get to paint their pot.
Last night Bret and I were taking a walk, and he asked me what I had learned from all my shows this fall. He likes to ask me hard questions like that - but it was a good one. I learn something new at every show - how to streamline our process so I can paint more pots, how to merchandise product so that the customer gets it - this has been one of the biggest challenges for me. It's definitely harder than it looks! How to deal with customers - this one isn't too difficult, because the vast majority are so kind and patient and understanding. But there are always a couple of pills in the bunch, and I appreciate them just as much because those are the opportunities to really learn about people. I must say, I am always a little grateful to see them on their way out the door with their pot :)
I can't thank my sister, Sarah and my brother, Mark enough! Sarah worked the check out window at my shows, answering questions and taking orders and being the smiling face to my customers when all I could do was keep my head down and paint. And my little bro is the best. He volunteered his truck and his time (I'm sure it was KILLING him to skip class :) and his muscle to help Bret set up and tear down my booth. I can't believe Bret and I used to do it all on our own! I truly have the best brother and sister ever, and I love them dearly! And I have the greatest, most supportive husband in the world. He does most of the hard labor for our little business and gets very little glory. He hauls the pots, paints the color on the pots, builds my beautiful displays, and sets up my booth for all my shows. Then he stays in the booth with me during every show and keeps the pot painting process running smoothly. I could not do any of this without him! He's my hero.
So, now there's only a month left until Christmas. It's a mad dash to get the orders finished, but after that I'll be able to put my feet up and watch my belly grow. Then little Jack will be here before we know it! Yes, I will still be painting pots after he comes - there will be lots of diapers to buy and college to pay for...maybe we'll just focus on the diapers for now. :)