Gilda Lily Gets Her Freak On At The Fair

On Friday morning, the morning before the fair, I realize that Gilda Lily has been on the rampage again and that I have spent the entire week making crafts and that I have neglected to organize or price any of my jewelry or antiques, which are usually 95% of my sales. I wasn't worried, I was going to bounce out of bed the next morning and like Cinderella, and sing happy songs as I quickly, with the help of my little animal friends, efficiently price and pack all of my items in plenty of time for the fair.

I received bad news about my mom's health on Friday afternoon and was so worried about my mom's that I couldn't fall asleep that night. I fell asleep at about 3:00 am and was woken up the next morning by the phone at 8:30 am. My aunt was calling to tell me that my mom was worse and being admitted to Cape Cod hospital. I felt my tired body turn to lead, my heart dropped to the floor and all I wanted to do was drive to Cape Cod or hide in bed all day and cry.

I could not blow off the fair. I had made so much stuff and more importantly a commitment to my church. I dragged myself out of bed by 9:00. I was in a daze. I had so much to do. I threw on my bra and shoes and jumped in the car still wearing the clothes that I slept in, and wore the day before. I went to the bank to get cash to make change at the sale. I bought coffee and of course a quick trip to the craft store.  I was short about a 8 pin backs for my flower pins. Then I had to stop at the doughnut shop to bring home treats for my sweets. On the way home I noticed that didn't brush my hair, my pants were covered in dried glue from the glue gun, and I was wearing my bright turquoise polka dot fuzzy sleep socks. I had spent the morning being "that" strange lady. There was nothing that I could do but wait for the caffeine to kick in go home and spring into action.

I had a small energy burst I finished the pins ironed scarves, and only ruined one.  Quick tip-never ever put a fresh dryer sheet under a hot iron. Don't ask. I found my tablecloths and ironed them, packed up my cloth items losing steam at each new task.  By the time that I was to tackled my "stuff" I was not feeling like Cinderella, more like Morticia, I had the energy of a slug and the deep dark circles under my eyes to prove it. My quick and easy organizing was turning into a marathon through knee deep mud.  What should have taken an hour or two was actually taking 5 or 6. Thank goodness that the fair was at 6:00pm. The clock is telling me that it's already 3:45. I have lost my leasure tinme to regroup and perhaps nap before the sale. On Gilda Lilly's schedule their is barely time jump in the shower, change my clothes, and throw my hair in a wet ponytale, slap on make-up and run. I dragged at least 400 pounds into my car thern drive to the church.

At the church I unpack 400 pounds of stuff. I was excited by the thrill of a fun sale and making all of that money for the church. I ran the boxes into the church with glee. Setting up my displys is always so fun and a lot of work, however I start to feel my scalp tingle and like  Bruce Banner's anger, the adrenailine and excitment over the sale starts to transform me into Gilda Lilly. Like the Incredible Hulk  Gilda has super human stregth to over decorate and make a simple table into a 2 table, set of shelves, and floor display over elaborate boutique. Being a super hero Gilda spends 3 hours decorating her display while other mortal venders are done setting up in 15 minutes. She does make a beautiful display. Then she puts on her lipstick and apron and smiling game face and gets selling!

My family comes to help me. Dave wanders around and then goes to listen to the music in the sanctuary.  Dylan does his best to shake me down for change to go buy trinkets & junk food. Which I happily do to keep him busy. Alice is hard at work at the table. She is especially great at selling. She chases people around the table saying holding a hand full of rings saying: "Would you like to buy this lovely jewelry?" or waving her hand like Vanna White under my loaded egg cartons: "Ooooooh look at these darling Easter eggs. Only 3 dollars!" She was so cute. I think she did chase more people away, but she tried her best.

We both had a lot of fun. I love seeing all of my church friends and chatting. I also meet a few roaming gaggles of tween girls. I had them trying on hats, gloves, and things that sparkle. They were so cute and I loved hanging out with them. They also turn out to be my best customers. They love the flower pins. The pins are my biggest seller, and the easiest and cheapest items that I made. I did not sell any other of my Lydia made crafts. My sales were pretty sad in total. I soldmost of the flowers and some jewelry and a piece of stoneware.
Gilda Lilly gets burned again! I spent so much time and way too much money to make 18 eggs, 3 boxes, star hangers, and the bracelets, oh the darn bracelets, dozens of bracelets. I worked for hours and hours, I cried over those darn bracelets. I did not sell one. I don't think anyone even tried one on. Curse you Gilda.

After the sale closed, I was transformed back into Lydia tired worried daughter. My family was home, in fact by the time I was done packing up everyone was at home. I was the last one in the church.  Darn that Gilda! Her elaborate set up took over and hour to break down. Once I finally had everything packed up the cleaning people were cleaning around me and my 15 boxes on the floor. Now worried that the cleaning people might finish up and lock me in the church I quickly carry all to the 390 pounds of stuff back into the car and drive home and lug everything back into the house. Thank goodness for the snow beacuse my back is on fire. I debate making snow angels to cool off the flames. But I was sure that I wouldn't be have the energy to get up. By the time the last box was in the house I felt like I was made out of cardboard.

Next year I am banning Gilda Lilly from the whole church fair process. She spent a hundred dollars more than I made. I actually lost a lot of money on the sale.  In total I think I spent 60 hours crafting for about $18.00 dollars in craft sales. I will just keep it simple and just bring bins of vintage jewelry and slap them out on bare tables.  Or perhaps I'll  just write them a nice check.

My Easter Eggs