Home.

Well, I was away for three weeks, if you count the 17 days of the BIG E and the 4 days of setup prior to opening day.  It's good to be home, but it will take me awhile to catch upon everything.. sleep, life, orders, unpacking...etc.  I'm so pleased to say it was all worth it. 

Now that its all behind me, I can honestly say I was a bit concerned with how I would handle all the people, the long hours and, did I mention all the people??  Those who know me, know I'd rather be out in the fresh air with wildlife enjoying the sounds of nature, rather than the endless conveyor belt of people.  However, the people were nice and it wasn't so bad after all!!  I'm actually looking forward to next year.

In the meantime, I am soaking up the sunshine, the blue sky and puffy white clouds, the stars and the sounds of nature both during the day and the evening.  I find I missed the rustling sound of the wind through the leaves the most.  I knew there were going to be a lot of people, but I wasn't prepared for how loud it gets inside that building when it's filled with crowds.  Now, I am savoring the silence. Usually when I work at home, I  have the radio on, but not since I've been home.  It's a welcome change from being stuck indoors for 17 very long, long days.  The fresh air is such a treat!

Last night, as I attempted to sleep I dreamed that people kept asking me for this image in that size, or that image in this size....  as I tossed and turned, they kept coming at me!  I would roll over and be paranoid that I was asleep and customers were watching me ... and waiting to speak with me!  Each time I would wake up just chuckling and shaking my head.  I wonder how long this will last?

I would like to thank everyone who helped make this challenge a success for me!  The whole family helped out, my folks with their support, my sister Lynn and brother Scott both showed up to help out when I needed it.  Wonderful friends Carol Dubois, Lara Max, Densise & Chip Pettengill, Sue Poublon and especially Kathy Bridge and all her work keeping track of inventory (not to mention 17 days with me there!!)... I am so grateful.  Thanks too Jonathan, for putting up with me when perhaps I was a tad stressed during the prep work.  Thank you to everyone!!  I could never have taken this on alone.