Shifting

Even since I last wrote, the weather has changed, and other things shift along with it. This morning the RG headlines the Courthouse Plaza dilemmas, in a fairly nondramatic way. Yup, here's a little problem, let's shine a light on it.

It mentioned that the SM paid for the $2000 (plus) fences for the upper part that have really cut down on the illegal activities, and by the way, we haul them out from across the street, truck them over, set them up, and put them away at the end of each Saturday. And, our workers clean the Courthouse Plaza, the whole space, even though we are not contractually obliged. Lots of work! Our site workers work from dark to dark, not always noticed, but doing a hell of a lot to make us run smoothly. A big thanks to them all, from the people who run the credit cards so diligently, answer all the questions about where we all are, and keep the cash flowing, to the ones who collect and sort all the compost and trash, put up and take down all of those pieces of infrastructure, and make it all happen almost invisibly in plain sight. Most especially Beth, who has the best combination of vision and practical application of anyone I know. She's always way ahead of me.

I liked the attitude shown by the blanket vendors, surprised they're getting away with it, thinking the city is just laid-back. Traveling from miles around to sell for free, who wouldn't? They think they are the Saturday Market, and arguably the drummers are, in a way. But if you are a part, you have to contribute, so we will be there for you too. No free rides, sorry.

We do get our money's worth, no doubt about that. I love the ads that keep showing new faces of those who make and sell, an endless procession of shining happy creators. I love how Kim wanders around in the afternoons digging out all the new products to feature, getting attention to the great stories just waiting patiently to be told.

Maybe some balance will come soon to the Courthouse Plaza situation so that more people get their needs met. I'm clearly on the side of making less work for our staff and shutting down the unpermitted sales, and keeping the public clear on the idea that we offer fine art and craft, made by the seller, not just everything, but the best of it.

And talking up Tuesday makes me think more people will come this week. The Corn Guy, aka Paul Toups, will be coming on Tuesdays, yay for that. I wish we could add a few more farmers, because as Chris said about their own vendors, it's hard to get the sales when everyone isn't in the same location. Ironic. But I'm ever hopeful about tomorrow.

I'm doing shirts for the Hoedad reunion next month, pretty excited. My Hoedad connections go way back, but mostly with dead people, alas. I was old friends with Lowell, and had many a chat with Wally in the Kiva or on the Park Blocks. Rick Sherman used to work for us back in the 80's. There was that stellar fling with B., whom I won't name just now but it was a great one. I'm still friends and acquaintances with many others, through Family School, the Market and the Fair.

I'm surprised I never planted trees, it seems like just the kind of thing I would love. I'm glad, actually, because it would probably have wrecked my back sooner, but the pictures look so romantic and wonderful I wish I'd been out in the woods with some of these fine folks. Young hippies, and those were the days. Learning about consensus, about how people work, about how we ourselves worked, or didn't work very well, all enriching and memorable times. Politics.

Some things never change. We just pass through and pass by. I'm glad to be holding down the old at the Market while also bringing in the new. I sold two Jell-O roses on Saturday, one to Jan's mom, who came all the way from Chicago to visit her. It was a sweet interaction, with her Dad buying a hat. The other rose went to a lovely woman who was entirely fascinated and really wanted some, but couldn't quite convince herself she needed it until one of her companions noticed that one rose had a pin back...and she collected pins. I quickly told her the price was $10, and the deal was sealed.

I took out all the roses yesterday and added petals to most of them. They look like new flowers. I think I will take the wings off the fairies and make them mermaids. I hope I can find the mermaid collector's card, I know it's here somewhere. My desk is almost clean of Fair clutter and the many sorting tasks I'm always in the middle of. Good thing I don't need a kitchen table to eat from or anything like that.

So, the post-Fair slack time, I love it. We got a sweltering day yesterday, finally, and I have two of the lilacs pruned, something I was supposed to do in May. I have too many spring-flowering shrubs, quinces and lilacs and daphne, and all needed to be pruned long ago. But I will get it done this week and get ready for the annual porch painting, if the weather will stay dry for awhile. There are always painting projects, every year, and other chores that stay on a perpetual list. It is getting harder to keep up, but not hard yet, just endless. It's nice to feel needed. I suppose that is one reason I garden, to have things to take care of that grow and change.

Miss my son. It was nice to see him every day at the Fair, however briefly. Thank goodness for FB where I get glimpses of family now and then, and get to be in contact with people all over. What did we do without it? I remember letters...

Okay. Ordering bandanas and bags now to dye for the Hoedaddies. Might even go to some of their parties. Kind of excited for August.