The Crazy Woman's Guide To Preparing For A Show In 6 Hours

First of all, you need to have a garage full of stuff you've acquired.  As a dealer for the past 20 or so years, I never run out of "stuff".

Frames are a mainstay, and they always sell.  The bulk of my frames went to a couple who were decorating their first house.

So, gather up all that "stuff", finish up several projects in record time, and start handing off containers to your adorable, understanding, husband to load into the van. This includes a mirror you thought about keeping, but decided you didn't care anymore.

Get a late start, make a huge mess when you get there, and negotiate with early buyers, while trying to take photos.

Trip over a box, and take a blurry pic of your vintage watering can.

Forget about photos, limp over to your customers, and continue to sell, while hubby brings in more "stuff".

Realize that, because quite a few of your items are gone before the show officially opens,

you will only be able to take random vignette shots, cause you're still selling, and never get a chance to set up properly.

End the first day happy, and try to stay awake on the way home, cause your husband tells you there's a possibility he'll fall asleep at the wheel.  Tell your dear spouse, you'll bring your son back the second day.

Throw together fresh items to take back the second day, get some sleep, wake up and tell your son, "I'll be fine by myself."  Seriously?

Drive back to the show (75 miles), do a reset, and sell like crazy.

Forget to take more photos, and ask fellow dealers if you can take a couple shots of their booth.

My friend Jeanine always has a great looking booth.

Sandy and Joe are long time dealer friends.

Get called back to your booth, and give up on taking photos.

End the second day wishing someone would just carry you home.

Call on Jesus to get you home safely, and thank him for a successful show.

Hope you took plenty of notes.