The last time I did a little show at the home where my mother resides, I drug myself home and said never again . . . but, the body forgets, the heart remembers and last week I did a Spring Burst of Color for them. The picture herein shows the little display that I did in the nursing home living room.  While you can’t see much from the photo, you can get the idea. I’ve been doing shows at this facility for six years now and no matter how early I show up prior to my appointed time I have sneakers. No, not on my feet. These are the kind of customers who sneak a peak before I’m all set up and especially before their “friends” know that I’m there. It seems that many of these “friends” want what the other person picked out before they arrived. I think it’s becoming a game for them. It makes it fun for me and I do my best to stay out of the well-intended fray. Yesterday, a late-comer picked out some funky mixed metal earrings and then we searched for a suitable necklace to go with them. Finally, she wanted a piece I had put back for one of her friends. Off she went for “negotiations” with the first buyer. They determined that I could make a second necklace like the favored one. I got so tickled that I agreed to try even though that prized piece had come from the $10 bargain tray. Will I never learn??? It’s not really a problem because these people support my mother and you can’t put any price on that.

I also get tickled at the way people pay for the jewelry other people purchased. It’s one of those . . . “if I pay for this today, can you buy my lunch tomorrow and then owe me the rest at pay day” kind of deals. I love it! I have no doubt the funds all work themselves out. I teased one man who works there because one of the female workers sought him out to pay for her piece. He came right in and gave me cash. When I asked if she was his wife, he just gave me a silly little smirk and I gave him a big wink. I’m still wondering about that one.

There was interest yesterday in the prayer finger beads I’m making and although I only sold three, I suspect folks will remember I have them when they need a gift. This idea was given me from a Lutheran friend and I have enjoyed creating over a dozen of them. They measure a mere 6 1/2” around and are for holding while praying or perhaps for hanging on the wall. I box them with a decorative paper printed with either the Serenity Prayer or a quote from scripture. Several people bought these for hospital gifts. I hope they bring strength and peace to those who receive them.

 

All things considered, I do enjoy those nursing home shows. I just have to think to wear comfortable shoes, take two Aleve before I go and remember to have fun instead of trying to be a salesman. I’m glad it all came together yesterday.