For the last week, you've all heard me "basically freeking out" trying to make this "4th of July show" We had car problems, my van needed a ton of work. I wasn't even sure I could get it legal. Then I wasn't sure I could get into the show, and when I did I found I had an end "spot". This was one show... I really wasn't sure what would happen.

Well, it all worked out! I made it there, and did great as usual. Not quite as good as last year, but if I said what I made nobody would consider it bad for 1 days worth of work.

I cut coins constant. 9am-10pm. I doubt I had over 5 minutes break the whole time. Most of the time, when someone ordered something I had a 2 hour waiting list.

The end spot really wasn't bad. Later in the evening however.. the people started thinning out there. I did exactly as I said I would, I moved locations. I didn't "ask", I just did it. The promoter likes me anyway, so I wasn't afraid to just do it. I moved myself right into the "prime location" when I saw the other vendor leave. That little move alone, was worth another $300 or so in the last few hours of the evening.

I met a connection too. The guy next to me is a major promoter I didn't know (although he has seen me around he said). He promotes some pretty big events. Some on his own, and others are like "committee" based. He wants me doing his shows. I have an "automatic" IN to them now. No sending "pictures" and that other BS (I call it) that I hate to do. He has one next weekend in "Warren MI" (Near Detroit) he wants me to do. I am not sure.. There is this "Polish Festival" (same weekend). We did that last year, and did quite well. So I am still deciding which to do.

I have pictures, but it's almost "2am" right now. I just got home. I'll try to post them tomorrow. Right now, it's buried in the van somewhere (camera). I am exhausted, so I am not gonna unload tonight. Right now, I'm chilling with a drink.

Jeremy came and worked with us. Actually he was a pretty good "salesman". He's 15, and boy can he talk to customers. He has a "natural" skill at that. Plus all the young girls like him. He even cut a few coins himself, that he was "able" to talk people into "buying" instead of mine.. lol. The were "ok", but even he admitted they weren't great. Still.. he talked these "young girls" into buying his.. lol.

So Jeremy (Roxann's) son had a good time. We gave him money, he made money. He even helped other vendors for money. He got this $35 dollar metal sculpture for helping.. and offering to "trade" some of my work for it too. Sneaky little bastard.. lol.

I don't buy much for myself in these shows. I'll eat whatever I want, things like that but usually nothing more. I did however buy this cool bracelet. It's a real "scorpion" encased in some kind of plastic. Jeremy wanted one so bad, so we got him one too. He got an (either spiny or spikey) Spider. I guess they are kinda rare. He worked hard tho.

We stayed through the "fireworks". The problem is, you get "trapped in that park" for hours after they are over. Too many people. Plus the police closed the roads off from cars. Once we did leave.. major traffic jams. That was the worst part of the day.

Sebastian loved the "Fireworks". Plus Jeremy bought him a "light Sabre" (which he loved).

On the way home, I stopped at "Meijer". I wanted some "Rum" (which I am having now). I didn't say anything. Jeremy and Roxann were sleeping in the Van. But I went and bought the kids a "swimming pool". Not a huge one. One of those "10 foot x 3 foot high ones. Says 900 gallon capacity.. so not bad either. Filter, all that with it. Tomorrow (after I wake from a long sleep.. lol) I'll be putting that up.

Sending out "child support" tomorrow, paying some bills. Gonna eat some pizza I bought tonight.

Anyway, that was "my day". Lots of work on this one.. but worth it.

Gary :)