Fair Days are Here!

Hey everybody! It's been a minute! Sassy Dames Craft Show was an incredible experience for all 4 of us girls! We learned so much during our first fair...I should have written it all down! I'm still trying to figure out how one fair turned into 4...or more, as the girls keep sending me info on other fairs! it was amazing to watch my daughters, Jessie and Becky, and my niece Annie. They were crazy marketers, explaining all our goods, who made them, and truly enjoying all the vendors and customers. What a team! Thank you, Annie, Jessie and Becky!

We didn't get to the fair on our own, we had so much help along the way. I have some thanking and praising to do! Let's start from the beginning. My IT guys, they're the best! Charles, my husband, and Nathan, our son, created the website, and they monitor all that goes on there. At some point, Cody, our son-in-law, is going to get the accounting shoved his way, in the meantime, his encouragement to Jessie and the rest of us, has been such a blessing! And Jack, my brother, he keeps me tethered to our land, and keeps me informed on what needs attention! Thanks guys, you're the best!

I didn't realize how many people I'd get to meet, in just prepping for the fair. As we encourage others to explore their artistic abilities, we received much encouragement. Jessie took me by the fabric store she discovered...

The OKies Fabric Stash! These ladies are the greatest! They offer classes in embroidery, quilting, and more! Their shop is wonderful...it's the candy store for sewists! If you want to learn to sew...get on down there and visit these gals!

While we were there visiting, we met David Bullock. God's timing! Mr. Bullock repairs sewing machines! First thing I do? Line up a time to have my Husqvarna sewing machine serviced! She now runs like a gem! Next...the Bernina gets a tune up, then my Singer needs some TLC, and last...my very first little junior Singer is getting a makeover, so Violet, my granddaughter, can start learning when she turns 3! She says that's a good age to learn! I will have 4 working sewing machines! So, if you happen to have an old sewing machine and you're interested in sewing, get yourself down to The OKies Fabric Stash, let these ladies show you how it's done, and if your machine needs attention, they'll put you in touch with David Bullock!

I told you I had a bunch of people to thank, so bear with me! "Here's Your Sign!" Gotta have a banner for business! Signworks in Shawnee, OK! They were great! Fast and efficient, and Charlene Stubbs even fixed the mistake I made! Who screws up the domain name?! Apparently I do! Charlene fixed it without any extra charge...to me, that's huge to a struggling new business! If you need a sign, or banner, or car magnets, here's the place to go!

We ended our Fair Weekend with the Renaissance Fair in Norman, OK. Cody joined us...without a costume, but that's ok, Theo, my grandson, wasn't in costume either! But, we were all decked out! We experienced some good food, great artwork, and enjoyed the people! Violet and Becky learned to blow horns, and Violet left the fair with a new stuffed dragon and a new sword! We also found out that we have a Renaissance Fair in Shawnee! Our Community Art Gallery is having it's 2nd Annual Secret Garden Medieval and Fantasy Fair!

Dates: April 27th 10:00am-8:00pm

April 28th 11:00am-6:00pm

They will be located on the North side of Shawnee Mall.

I am so very grateful for all the help we've had along the way. It's all the little things, like Nathan fixing my typos, or Charles giving our website a new and improved look, or Mom doing my dishes, because I'm trying to finish projects...she's 80, and you wouldn't believe the messes we can leave in the kitchen! All the encouragement, constructive criticism, and suggestions have been so welcomed!

Lastly, I have to thank those very special Sassy Dames! Susan and Paula, along with all their helpers. We felt so welcomed, and all the vendors were amazing! There is so much talent out there! So many people honing their crafts and bringing them to the public! If you don't already have a hobby or craft, find one! Working with your hands is therapy! It gives you a sense of balance in this chaotic world.

My dear friend, Lynn Mack, wrote and shared her poem with me. She's an amazing crocheter, and obviously an amazing poet! Oh... and she's an amazing photographer!

When I crochet, I pray. I pray for the person who will someday receive my gift. I pray they will see love in each and every stitch. I pray that they will see though mistakes are made, there is beauty and purpose... and the love never goes away. I pray they will know how valued, loved and needed they are. I pray for peace and comfort in the depths of their hearts. Most of all, I pray the Lord’s will be done, and that they know I am here if they should ever come undone.

Well, I had a lot to share...I have more, we'll save it for another day. For now, it's back to the crafting! Have a wonderful day and God Bless each and every one of you!