Back in the olden days (last century), there were lots and lots and even more of those craft and art shows. There were so many to pick from locally that I never considered going outside of the area. Besides, my work is so very regional that people down the hill in Visalia were confused about some of my Mineral King art, which is in the same county just 50 miles away.

Now, there are very few shows remaining from which to choose. I used to consider the Senior League Bazaar a show that could easily be skipped. Now it is the last one standing of all the regular shows I used to participate in.

It was a great show this year! The show organizers didn’t have music blaring so conversation was easier. Many people came that I invited, which made me feel warm and fuzzy. I sold items the entire time, for me, for Sophie (author and knitter, among many talents) and for Barbara (The Lavender Lady).

As I stood by my booth, friends would say, “Where is your booth?” They didn’t recognize it because it was chock-full of brightly colored knitted items, among other things.

“But where is your artwork?”

“On the cards right here.”

“But where are your paintings?”

“All my time is being spent drawing for an upcoming book, The Cabins of Wilsonia, so I don’t have time to paint.”

“Then how do you have time to knit?”

“I knit after work, in the house, in the car, when I’m waiting for stuff, in meetings, on airplanes and in airports. “

“Oh! I never thought of that!”

“Maybe you should stop watching so much teevee”.

Nope, I didn’t say that last thing. Just thought it a few times. Such restraint takes it out of me sometimes, but I bravely soldier on. Sometimes I feel like the last one standing myself. Actually, I often am, because I stand for the entire show and I REFUSE to pack up before the thing ends.

That’s me. Last artist standing at the last show standing.