Short, sweet overview of BH at SEOM

Sunday was wonderful. Even though it rained cats and dogs in the morning, and sprinkled in the afternoon, I am so happy that I didn't cancel. I thought of it.

I was positioned between a stranger selling flowering cacti bouquets and Linda Branch Dunn. Check out Linda's etsy store and blog. Linda was a pleasure to keep company with. I am so happy to have had this time with her, and I hope that we can be neighbors at a show again sometime.

Perhaps my recent lack of interaction with people who do not work in a hospital setting, or who are not patients may add to my conclusion that Linda is awesome, but Linda is awesome! At one point after the rain stopped and we opened up the wall that separated us from the torrential drips, I noticed that there was a fabric collage facing in my direction. The placement of this artwork was such that the general public walking by could not see it...at all. It was facing me, at the back of my booth.

This quote by Emily Dickinson really spoke to me. Sounds corny, but in my situation, it was undeniably appropriate.

Later in the day, I looked over and saw this fabric collage along side the first one.
I only got the closeup of this one sadly, it's equally as beautiful as the first in it's entirety.


When we started breaking down for the day, Linda asked me if I would be up for a trade. I was. I opted for a handbag that I had been eyeing all day. She wanted some earrings for gifts. Even though I love the bag I traded for, I wish I had traded for the collage with the Emily Dickinson quote on it so I could hang it in Dolly's room.

It's all about Dolly!

Happy birthday to Dolly!
We had a great dinner tonight at Finz, just Julie, Nick, Mom and I. She attacked us with her camera, so I had to reciprocate.

She gets a little shy when people sing to her.

How cute is she? I love you Mom! Happy Birthday!

Mom's Surprise 70th

My sisters and I planned a surprise birthday party for my mom. The surprise was last night, and it was a total success. I couldn't have hoped for a better turn out.

I have neglected to post any plans on here previously in case mom checked out my blog...which she never does, but you never know. I have told her to check it from time to time in the past.

Anyhoo, the night turned out fabulously even after my almost meltdown. I had spent the last two days not sure that the lodge would remember that I had rented the space. I made the deposit approximately a month previous, and checked the place out. It looked good, I was feeling good. Then a couple of days before the party, I tried to call to confirm, and left a message, no one got back to me.
I then called early on the day of, and left a message, and no one got back to me...
I then was forced to call George Parrelli while he was at work at the Pleasant cafe bartending (he is a member of the lodge, a true old timer) and he gave me Andy's home phone number. I called Andy's home, spoke with his wife, and she put my mind at ease.

So, all went off without a hitch. I am pleased with the results. Mom got lots of gifts from people she loves, and was totally surprised.

Here are some pics...
A photo of what you saw as you walked in.

A matted invitation ready for signatures, along side the present table...

The birthday girl greeting her friends and family, here she is greeting my Aunt Elena


The birthday girl (in the center wearing a tiara). She was so surprised. This pic is after she had calmed down and greeted everyone. She is relaxing watching the juggler show.

Peter Panic the juggler/commedian. He did a great job, we had a lot of fun.

Peter almost rolled over Maria. She is okay...heehee.

Everyone had a great time, including Dolly the birthday girl.
I just got off the phone with her tonight. 1 hour 21 minutes 46 seconds. She is clearly still beaming. Happy birthday mom!