Three shows in four weeks have left me with several stories to tell. I started with the ice cream story yesterday – the first one today has to do with golf and gel plates . . .
Beth Wilkinson has helped me in our booth in Collinsville, Illinois (near St. Louis) for a long time when her schedule has allowed it – she even traveled to a couple of shows to help out when Sue Rothamel from USArtQuest was on the road with us a few years back. I have been keeping up with her 12-year-old daughter Grace’s successes on the golf course, and as Beth and I were making plans for the two of them to work in our booth this weekend, I knew that there was a possiblity that Grace might have a tournament on Saturday morning.
Sure enough, Grace had an 8:00 tee time – won the tournament (!) – and by 11:30 was sitting with her mom at our demo table teaching customers how to make backgrounds with Gel Press and Distress Oxide Ink Pads. Found out later in the day that the PGA tournament is being held near St. Louis this year – and a few days after Grace will be playing a match on that championship course. I am more than a little envious . . .
During the morning hours, I had set up the demo tables – so ended up with several “guest demo artists” who helped themselves. And you’ll notice that the last two stuck around while Grace was getting settled and watched her version as well.
On Sunday, we started the day by dispensing with the leftover ice cream from the vendor gathering the night before . . .
Later in the day, Grace asked me if she could draw the winning tickets for the giveaway. So I told her, “Yes, you can be Vanna White” – and then had to explain to her who Vanna White is . . .
This weekend also marked a reunion of sorts – I have known Kim Schallenberg and Cindy Chilton for years (yes, they are sisters), but have never seen them in the same place. So once a year in Collinsville (Kim), and twice a year in Florida (Cindy), I kid one of them about finally making a trip to go to a show with the other. And it finally happened. In three weeks, I will see Cindy again in Florida – along with their other sister Patti and niece Andrea. And one of these days, I will probably be surprised to see Kim there, too.
Cindy bringing treats for Zoe was not a big surprise – that happens all the time. But another customer bringing treats for me was definitely a surprise – and she even inscribed the wrappers.
Rick Holland from Our Daily Bread Designs sent this St. Louis Cardinals superfan over to our booth to rub it in – it’s not easy being a Cincinnati Reds’ fan these days . . .
Every year, this guy wears a different message on his chest . . .
Our friend Jane Steiger won the grand prize at the end of the day on Saturday. On Sunday, she won one a bit smaller in our giveaway. Needless to say, she was thrilled on both occasions . . .
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