Harvested
Yesterday was the big, big, very long, exciting day at the Harvest Faire. We all had a great time. There were games for Lucas and Asher (more for Lucas), a puppet play, a funny father-son juggling act, desserts to nibble, arrows to shoot, and plenty of things to buy. I wanted to arrive early so I could check out all the items in the Country Store to get other ideas for future years. Our horse toys didn’t move as quickly as I had hoped, but they were among the more expensive items in the store. I think perhaps they were eyed during the day and then swooped up at the end, perhaps when prices were slashed. Ah well. I’m still glad we made them. The gnome and mushroom sold really early in the day; in fact I was there when a woman bought them for $15. It was thrilling, but I don’t quite know why.
Normally I enjoy all the independent vendors and their wares. Certainly there were many, many useful and beautiful things for sale that I would enjoy having or giving as gifts. But I found myself wandering around and wondering, could I make that? Sometimes the answer I felt was yes, and that was unusual. It changed the way I looked at items and their prices. It did not diminish my appreciation for artistry, only my willingness to spend more money that day. I guess in part I was feeling tapped by our investment in materials for the things and time we donated.
My mother arrived and bought some used books and a late birthday present for me, a freshwater pearl necklace I was coveting but unwilling to purchase for myself. We wandered through the farm together and visited the animals. We saw lots of friends there, but were so busy chasing kids around that it was kind of hard to catch up with people and talk.
Lucas drove Ian bananas with all his demands: "Dad! Dada! Dad! I want … I want … Go here. Do this," etc. He kind of feels like he owns the campus already, which is funny. I’m glad he is so comfortable there. Asher enjoyed wandering around, going anywhere he liked. We took turns trailing after him. He picked up a new word, "Peep!" (What the baby chicks say.)
At the end of the day, I had to work in the Children’s Store. It was pretty well picked clean by the time I arrived, but was practically barren by the end of my shift at closing time. I think it was a success. The kids seemed to like it. The room, however nicely decorated and magical, was stiflingly hot and claustrophobic. But, at least I was working alongside some of my friends. Lots of bodies in that small, dark, hot space—I ended the day with a headache, a need for a drink and some carbs.
So, all in all, it was a success, I think. I look forward to hearing how much money the school received because of the event.
And, well, today is dedicated to editing strategy guides and trying to land a new client. It looks like I have a busy work week ahead of me. Which is good. I’m glad to have it.
