Slightly Off Center

This last Saturday Market went much faster than previous weekend. Weather much the same, cold and grey early, giving way to scattered clouds and sun by afternoon, but with far more people. Both of my neighbors were back, all the empty slots filled, and I had my first customer buying a chickadee mug at 9:30 am. (He came back in the afternoon for a second mug, a squirrel this time.) He also asked about local ceramic spaces; he and his wife threw pots in the garage. Told him about Wildling, ClaySpace, Club Mud (though our wait list is about two years long).

Lots of folks looking for Mother's Day presents, including one young woman who was Face-Timing with mom, giving her a tour of the Market. Also had two presents for sisters. Wonder what's up with that?

At least three people stopped in to tell me they'd bought one of my bowls from the Empty Bowls Sale on Friday. One said her friend was extremely jealous, she'd wanted the salmon bowl my correspondent bought. I showed her another on the shelf, gave her a card for friend. We'll see what happens.

Sometime mid-morning, a velociraptor strolled by, dashingly fitted out with Amanita muscaria hat and mittens. Very well-constructed head, complete with articulated jaws. She'd built it herself, was thinking about trying to sell them at Market. Not sure if we're the best venue--a Con might be a better fit--but you never know, with Eugene. They might become the next big thing.

Had a long chat with a young woman that started with my usual opening, I make these on the potter's wheel and paint them all freehand. Oh, I know, she said, I follow you online. And talked about my Instagram, website, even blog. Somehow, we got on the subject of Minnesota, she was from Shorewood, a Minneapolis suburb, I think? Anyway, I brought up my sister and her wife, in Minneapolis, and my friend lydamorehouse, the science fiction author (and cyberpunk podcaster) in St. Paul. She was much interested in the latter, was an SF fan, told me her dad had actually named her Anneke, after a Star Trek character. Seven of Nine? I asked? Yup.

Denise came down around lunch time, and stayed till late afternoon. She'd brought her Doctor Who kit--book-cover handbag, two sonic screwdrivers, and the River Song journal I'd made for her some years back--to share with Bronwyn, another vendor who usually show up in a TARDIS hoodie. (I assume it's bigger on the inside...)

Not many big things sold--I think a small cookie jar at $40 was my largest sale--but I sold a dozen tall mugs, nine painted mugs, several dinner and pie plates. At the end of the day, I'd broken a thousand again, $1085. Good thing I start glazing again this week.