Happy New Year.

Well, it is for me.

I always say that my year starts and ends with the Surtex show. The show was last week and here I am, facing the new year ahead. With a smile, even. Finding real-life under the rubble of my show-prep tornado. Following-up, scrambling to finish stuff I left behind and start exciting new projects discussed at the show. I feel like it was a good one this year. Who knew? I had some great meetings with existing clients, and reconnected with some who, due to the current economic situation, I was afraid I might not get a chance to work with again...but thankfully this crazy industry is full of Weebles (we wobble but we don't fall down). And I made some great new contacts...you never know.

Could be something.

It will take a while to know for sure, but I left NY feeling hopeful and satisfied. Can't ask for more than that. Well, yes you can. Crazy billionaires storming through the aisles throwing wads of cash at exhibitors might have been nice, but really...clients who I like still being in business and moving forward with fun projects...that makes me happy.

This is where it started...I already told you the effect this sight has on the cockles of my heart. And I don't even know what those are.

There it is, waiting for me in the booth. All in one piece. Is there anything as beautiful as that little crate? The moment was flawless, poetic. Never mind the partial bird carcass that kept blowing across the floor into my otherwise empty booth every time a forklift would whish past. Beautiful. Perfect.

The rest of the week is a little bit of a blur.

But somewhere in there, ohmygosh, the best slice I've ever eaten. I realize that's an incredibly bold statement and that I am tiptoeing on hallowed ground discussing slices this matter-of-factly (I'm sorry) but really.

Go here.

Eat this.

You won't be sorry.

The gelato and ices looked pretty awesome too, but I was all about the slice.

So yeah, it was a blur. With pizza somewhere in the middle. And then it was over, displays torn down and the crate repacked and taped up some more.

I watched the country pass below me in that amazing patchwork...Eastern farmland and woodlands, the Great Lakes, the rugged Dakotas and Montana, and finally my familiar mountains, forests, lakes and rivers...and as the sun set, the lights of my own little city.

And then it was the New Year. Just like that.

And this is where it ends.

Back at home with Husband Guy, my furry girls, my little tomato plants, my lilacs (still blooming...another reason to smile). A holiday weekend (pulled weeds for 3 straight days, no kidding). A new week, new prospects, and lots and lots of work to catch up on. And today, a truck pulled up in front of the house with the crate. All in one piece.

I will be sharing more soon...maybe even a top-secret sneak-peek of my show displays (you never know, it's just that kind of year). But for now, I just had to stop in for a minute and wish you all a Happy New Year.

Comments

[Freddie Levin]

Dear Beth:
We have met at Surtex and I am a big fan of your work. I was not able to do the show this year due to financial considerations but many friends said it was considerably smaller. Did you get that impression as well? I'm glad you had good meetings and I hope your year brings you much work.
Freddie Levin (Polkadot Pie)

[Joyce Shelton]

Beth! I'm so happy you have a good feeling. I miss doing the show so much. Maybe I'll try it again one of these days if things pick up... we'll see. It's good to have your take on everything. Thanks for sharing and I hope some really great deals come out of it for you!
XO!
Joyce

[Beth L]

Thanks for your kind words Freddie and Joyce!
Yes it was much smaller and I did go there with no expectations considering the economy...I was actually prepared for the depressing worst (both of you, having done it before, know exactly what I mean...I think we've all experienced the brutal years). But I came away pleasantly surprised about so many things, many companies are moving forward, others are regrouping and reorganizing so they will be able to move forward more efficiently, I really do honestly feel upbeat from it all...and that's coming from a jaded old Surtex veteran :o]

[Sue]

You have a way with words. I am glad I missed the "bird carcass".I love the post and thanks for sharing. You brought sunshine to the Surtex show my friend. Every year I think to myself can Beth's booth get any better can her fresh happy upbeat art get any happier and the answer is YES YES YES...This year was your best booth and art ever (I said that last year).