Well, we did the "Flea market" in Bay City (MI) today. It was "supposed" to be a "Good day".. all said so before (peeps from that area)..

It totally "blew", there was people (lots, we almost didn't get a spot because of so many there), but nobody was "buying anything.

We finally made some money, only because I made a "buy one, get one free sale". Very rare I do that, because if people see you do it once.. they think you will again. Then when the show is good, they won't buy because they are waiting for stuff to go on sale. If at all possible (if your a vendor) avoid doing this. Still (like today) having a great sale is needed at times. Both Roxi and myself are broke right now, we definetely needed the money..

So I had Roxi make these signs. They said "Today Only, buy one get one free. Pre made items only". It's too hard to do it for custom designs, because I can get "backlogged" quickly (double time for each sale), and actually lose money because I can't keep up. (If they have an hour or more wait, for their coin.. they tend to not order and just take your card).

Maybe because the "WINE MAN" was there, or maybe because I'm just a nice guy.. but anyway..

There was a "huge" amount of mentally challenged people there. I'm talking clinically, not just a bunch of "Republicans around".. lol. Ok,, well I learned later there was a mental facility near by. And many wanted orders.

When I see that.. I always make it "better".. most didn't understand the "2 for 1" deal, or even what I could really do. But most liked what they saw..

One young man in "particular" touched my heart. When he first came up, a regular customer was at the booth. She (was not mentally challenged), but she was extremely "offended" by him.. she told me (on the side), he's getting "Too close", he's too loud.. I'm about to "go off" on him. She had me cutting her some coins.. was watching. I kinda let her know.. it was cool to leave, and come back. Moreover, I pushed her away from "him" in a subtile way. I felt bad for the kid. He wasn't doing anything wrong really (he has a disability). He told me at 3PM, he lives in a halfway house (under his breath.. said he didn't want anybody to know). He ordered 2 coins. He called his mom to ask about them (3PM), she was asleep.. he didn't live with her. He put me on the phone with her, she sounded "off", not sleepy.. drugged or something. Hey, I'm not stupid. The kid probably lived with her (he was about 16, had some mental problem), she lost him somehow. Yet he still calls mom.. He called her twice.. first time, she got real "upset" with him, because she said she likes to "sleep in".. He was afraid to call the second time. He tried his "Grandma", but couldn't get ahold of her... He told me, I don't want to call "mom" again, she likes to sleep in.. but I have too.. this is important.. (he was afraid of calling mom)

Important to him.. this is what he wanted. He wanted 2 coins cut. One with "Amanda with a Frog", and one with "RIP Spaz" with a lightning bolt. He didn't know how to spell them (I told what I thought), but he wanted to make sure. He made that second call. He told me what they were for. He was gonna wear both. The "Amanda" coin was for a relative he lost a few years ago, the "Spaz" was for a dog (of his friends), that died. I could see him "tearing" up as he even told me. Which made me cry too.. But I kinda "hide it well"...

I did far more work on his designs then I normally would. He basically got something (for basically nothing) I just wanted him happy. I didn't tell him, I wanted to see the smile when done. He loved them. The young man has a "pure" and simple heart!! I love that..

So those who wonder what I'm about, it's people like that. Those I'd do almost anything for....When some "politician" tries to feed me lies, the rich man cries "poor me.. more taxes on me", I'm gonna say "Shove it up your ass".. Politically correct'ness.. is by far not my strong suit. But believe or not, I always try to do what I feel right.

So what about the "wine man"? Oh yes, I got off on a tangent. There is this local dude that makes his own wine. He traded me once (cut coin for wine).. and it was good. I am very reluctant to drink "home made" booze, because I don't know how clean they are. He has a "good reputation there, all said was good. He makes alot, gives away alot... Well he was there again. He was giving away free glasses of his "Apple Cider" wine to vendors. Well, certain vendors. Basically, many of us had a "glow" going. Probably weren't supposed to drink there, but we all "concealed" it.. nobody got "drunk".. I am certain other vendors and the owner knew.. but wasn't outright obvious to the public. Thats the thing.. we can relax, have fun... and get away with alot really. As long as we maintain a "business" atmosphere. Which we do. All vendors involved, are long time vendors. I'm just saying, it helped the DAY.. because sales were "crappy"!

Back to a "statement" above. No the "wine man" had nothing to do with my "dealings with the Mentally Challenged peeps there".. I'm an "Open Book", very easy to read if you look at the pages. I'm always the same. I defend the "little guy", Fuck with the "establishment" (big guys).. lol.

Going back there in "morning", wish me luck! And PRAY the "Wine Man" returns!!!!!

Gary :)