Our drive from Nebraska to Illinois takes us through Iowa where I look forward to seeing the field of windmills - - this photo is just the beginning of a bunch (like, we're talking at least 50) near the interstate in IA.
Things were different this year in a few ways. For one we managed a flat tire on the way - adding 3 hours to our normal 8 hour drive. yuck. but we did see two rainbows waiting to be rescued. PLUS it was my first flat tire. And I've always been afraid of them, but now I know that I can get through it a-ok.
Can you see the rainbow? Trust me, it's there.
And we did help this spider eat not once, but twice! as our presence on the side of the road interrupted grasshoppers into it's dinner web. Good job spider! Sorry, grasshopper dudes.
So on to Chicago. We stayed at the Wicker Park Inn again this year - I love it there! Highly recommended if you're visiting Chicago. We stayed in the Chicago room this trip. Very nice. That particular room has a balcony that overlooks the train. It is super close to Division street (Where the fair is held), within walking distance to bars/foods and the B&B set up makes you feel comfy and cared for. Plus as an added bonus I like to pretend I live in a part of that city I could never afford!
The fair was sunny and clear - this was a plus for set up (remembering last year, it was rainy during set up that created unwelcome stress and caused some rude words exchanged between me and my man!) But this year set up went soooo well! No fights and time to spare. (yessss! *insert mental image of me doing that late 80s early 90s bent knee/fist pull at waist move*)
Plus this year I started to us magic in my hat making...so you know, that probably didn't hurt things.
Check out the check out area:
My old friend Logan (like, from back in our Middle School Days!....be sure to check out her book review blog, btw.) was a delightful booth helper on Sunday. I can't thank her enough! I'm not sure she knew what she was getting herself into this year - it was So freaking hot in that tent....but she was friendly to booth visitors and helped with the moral support I require from booth helpers as I tend to get emotional at these things. I can help it, I'm a delicate flower.
You know, probably the best part of the whole fair experience was the support and encouragement I received from returning customers and new ones too! I just wanted to scoop everyone up and give them a big stinky hug (stinky because, after 10 hours in that tent, I have to have smelled, at least, just a little).
You know how I mentioned that I am a delicate flower at these things? Well...I truly appreciate every one who came into the tent and shared their story about owning a PGT treasure or enjoying what they saw in the booth. It lifted me up. And I needed that. Thank you (and you all know who know who you are) from the bottom of my heart.
One story that especially lifted me is about young teenage girl (and her supportive mom) who returned this year to say hi and shop. Last year she purchased a Tiny Sailor Fascinator. (She even rocked it to the fair this year!) There was some hesitation to purchase it last year, I remembered - would she wear it, etc.? Who doesn't remember braving adolescence only to be reminded that some of your peers aren't exactly accepting of things that stand out and are rad...even if you like or don't like said peers. That middle school shit is tough. amIrightoramIright? But this sassy young lady decided to purchase the fascinator and brave the judgement of her peers - who - as you may guess - made fun of it! :( boo! (smell ya later, haters) but teachers loved it (yay!) In the end she stuck it out (I think moved to a new school) and found acceptance of her awesomeness in some new friends/peers, who by the way, love her newest addition to her collection: the Tiny Dancer Fascinator! You're an inspiration - way to stay true to your style, S.G.! Worrying what others will think is time wasted, kwim?
Other pluses of this trip included seeing our two friends Jake and Alisa who, this year, are now residents of Chicago! They totally rocked the tear-down with Nick and I and made it so we were out of there in less than an hour! Plus we just love these two and it was great to be able to hang, even if it was just for a little bit.
I really could have done with a buffer day on either side of our Chicago visit - but this gal right here and my man have other jobby-jobs to do and it just had to be a whirlwind trip. Sigh. Maybe someday.
Here we are on Sunday night...remarkably I wasn't like 10000% exhausted (really just, like, 100% exhausted) and was able to grab a couple beers and eat nachos with my man, Alisa and Jake. It was a great end to the whole sha-bang!
Yay! The booth looks so awesome, and I'm glad the fair was a success. Also: No beard alert!!
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