I got a "Yahoo Messenger" IM from an old friend today. Seems he ran across my new website, and decided to contact me.

His name is "Steve". Well I didn't recognize his email.. I said "Steve who?", "I know lots of Steve's".

Once he went on to say who he way.. I thought "cool". I haven't seen the guy in maybe 7 years or so. Back in the day, we did "lots" of shows together. I think the promotors put us beside eachother alot, because we got along. We did "Christmas stores" in malls, Craft shows.. alot together".

Steve always did real well at the shows. He had wood products. Anytime he left to use the bathroom (or whatever) I took over both booths. He always had a line of people waiting to buy something. I remember one year at Christmas time (Genessee valley Mall, Flint MI), his worker was late. The mall just opened, and he had like 30 people in line trying to buy his stuff. I had to watch his booth, and mine...

Steve told me in IM, he hasn't did a show in 4-5 years. He had to go out and get a "real job". That's what "Bush-O-nomics" has really done. Took some of the best small busineses, and reduced them to nothing. Dispute me if you want.. but I know what happened... Steve outsold me 10 to 1 every show we did together (and I have a popular booth). Just I hung in, he didn't.. lol. Actually he is thinking about getting back into it, as he just got laid off I guess.

He lives around the Detroit area. He let me know, if we ever need a place to stay doing a show in that area,, just call him. Which is cool.. most crafters are like that (at least the old timers.. lol). I couldn't count how many people's places I've stayed. But since I plan on hitting the Detroit area alot more now, and roads can get bad.. good to have a backup as I am just getting back into the Detroit area.

Ok.. all I had to say.. was nice hearing from him again. Kinda miss the dude..
gary :)