Thank you!!!

There are no words to say how wonderful the show was this past weekend. As I watched the dealers pour in from all over California, Washington, Oregon and New York, I am always in awe of what they bring. I love to hear the joys of seeing a fellow dealer that they haven't seen in awhile. The hugs and the exclamations of joy of seeing each other. This is my seventh show and it always goes by in such a whirl wind. This time, I really tried to stop myself and absorb everything that was happening, the crunch of the gravel as people walked back and forth setting up their booths, the words of encouragement between dealers, the anticipation and finally around 5PM the quietness as the dealers and everyone finished up their booths. The dinner bell rang and off they went over the bridge to my friend, Judi's, house to have dinner. Judi sets up her garden patio for an evening of enchantment. The scent of flowers, candelabras lit and the appetizers set out. I think this is the dealers favorite part. They laugh, share stories and their anticipation of the following day.

Morning of the show and nothing could have prepared me for the amount of people that were waiting in line. All I could see was a continuous line of cars coming through the orchard. It was so fun to see how excited everyone was to be there. There were groups of friends that came together, mothers and their daughters and surprisingly lots of men, also. As the morning progressed, the twitter through the crowd was, "Where is Rachel Ashwell?" I walked to the parking lot and there she was standing in line. Of course, like any true junker, Rachel wanted to shop first. Off she went and about an hour later, Rachel started speaking to the crowd of women that were seated. She spoke about her inspirations when writing her book "Shabby Chic Interiors." I loved watching the expressions of the faces of the women as Rachel spoke . Rachel related so well with all of them. Rachel spoke of her struggles, the loss of her stores, the death of her mother, friends and finally her excitement of going forward. Rachel was humble and inspirational. Finally, she spoke to each woman that brought their book to be signed and stood while many pictures were taken. Then off she went with promises to come back in the Spring to shop.

The afternoon flew by and then it was time for the show to end. Why does it go by so fast? Then there is the flurry of packing up, the hugs of good bye and excitement of seeing each other at the next show. I feel so tired when it is over but so filled up with non stop treasure hunting, time with friends, the making of new friends and the overall contentment of seeing what a good time everyone had. This is why I give this show. I want to thank all the dealers for all their hard work and how beautiful their booths looked, The Women's Shelter for informing all the customers of their great organization, Judi for opening up your property for me to give this show and to fulfill my dream and finally my family for putting up with me in preparation for the show and your continued encouragement. Love all of you! So off I go to put up my feet, have a glass of wine and reminisce about the show.