The local craft market event

Good morning my lovelies. Another grey day is here and I've spent the morning going to the trash station sorting my garbage and cleaning up after yesterday's neglect. I thought I would share some photos from the local Artisan market I attended last weekend here in my home village Gimel.

My stall looked lovely. I'm not afraid to say it was the finest stand of all. Because it really was. Placed right at the entrance this is what you were welcomed by - a My Rose Valley, Scandinavian Homespun delight.

The rag rug was in place as well as samples of my Nordic Shawl together with lace and country style blue stripes. There were Nordic Hats, Nordic Wrist Warmers, Maybelle garlands and Tilda and Ulrika yarn for sale. And some colorful bracelets made in the least minute using byClaires neat little pattern. I had hopes.

It didn't go so well and looking back at the last time I did this I now know I won't do this again. The farmers in my village are not ready for modern crochet. The locals don't come here to shop. They come here to talk. Chat to neighbours and friends, have lunch at the Buvette where they serve hot food, cakes, coffee and wine. Every vendor suffered, not only me.

I did make some good new acquaintances and sold a few things, enough to pay for the table fee. I made a new Nordic Hat which I will offer as a Crochet & Pattern kit soon in my Etsy shop. I made it for myself and I love the dark wintery colors of it as a contrast to popping green and pink. IT will match well with anything I will wear. I'm starting to feel like I need a matching scarf though...

I did it. I was there. I learned my lesson. And if I ever consider do this again next time around in 3 years from now I hope I go back to read this blog post to tell myself to not put all the effort in. It is just not worth it. 

Enough of the whining but unfortunately this is reality at craft markets. I believe it is all about finding the right market with the right audience if it is going to be fruitful for you as a vendor. Saying all this I'm not giving up. I'll keep going with My Rose Valley worldwide. That is where my audience is. Not here in little hidden Gimel up in the Jura mountains. 

Kärlek
Annette

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Contrasts

I'm adding a few blocks to my Circle In Square WiP. 99 squares have been joined so far. I still have quite a few to go before I'm happy with the size.

The clouds are lying thick outside, creating a grayish tone. Inside I have 3 restless kids on October break and a messy home, 3 cats making a mess and heaters running on high speed.

My love left on a business trip to the exotic little island Mustique in the Caribbean... What a contrast. He just called. He says it feels like coming home. He grew up in the Caribbean waters.

I think I'll take my kids to the mall for cake and sodas and some clothes shopping. That will spice up this grey day. A messy home can wait and even though I wish I could be in Mustique with Jay, it is pretty good to be here too. Mind the grey, October is still a beautiful month. One of my favorites of the year actually.

Kärlek
Annette

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Back on the track

It is warm up time and a good 20+ boys in ages 5 to 20 are rolling shoulders and hips, running around the lot and stretching arms up in the air. They are all dressed in pads from top til toe. And then the instructor shouts out the announcement: "5 minutes!!!".

The group shatters and all the boys runs to their dirt bikes. Shirts are put on, neck braces, helmets, gloves and goggles. I'm helping Luca Bo with his shirt. It is a bit tricky to get it on top of all the protection gear.
"Come on Mama! Hurry up!!!"

Luca Bo is eager to get back on the track. Since his clearance from the doctor in September he has been dying to get back out there. It has been a looong 3 months recovery time (read about his accident here) with no intense activity, challenging for my boy who loves to move. But now he is all good. A brand new model of Kawasaki KX85 was ordered. Bigger, faster, and with more suspension. Better sized for him. The bike fits him perfect. It is gorgeous...

It is the 3rd time in one week he is going out there and today I'm the one there with him.  He is focused. He's got fire in his eyes. He is like a race horse dancing around on his tippy toes in front of the starting gates before a race. Bursting to get out there. Bikes are kick started and throttles are being turned, making an incredible noise when accelerating the engines. And so he goes and all I see is a big cloud of dirt blinding my views of him taking off.

Some might think I'm crazy letting him out there, and maybe I am. But he has this passion which is really burning inside of him. He loves being here. He needs this. It makes him the person he is. I have to admit I am actually relieved that he is back on the track. That he doesn't let fear steer him away from his love of motorsport. I think this is important, for him as a person, for his future. To show to himself that he won't back off and find himself beaten. He will get back up when things are going bad and he will survive and move on. He is setting an example, for himself. He wants this. He has grown from his experience and so have I. 

I can almost feel his heart pounding of excitement from where I'm standing at the spectators view spot. Welcome back on the track kid! You enjoy the ride.

Kärlek
Annette

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