Can I just say that it’s unbelievable that four months have gone by since my last show? Those four months have been a blur of first-quarter “down time” activities we small business owners are familiar with: Taxes, restocking, planning the year’s shows (and in some cases next year’s shows), and generally trying to catch my breath after the crush of holiday shows and special orders. I was hoping I could catch up with all those things I couldn’t do when I was crazy busy – like blogging. Welllllll, some of the projects that I’d hoped to work on were sidelined by some serious family issues. But that’s okay. Rather than being upset, I’m trying to be philosophical. Facing heavy issues really helps to focus the craziness of everyday life. What is important becomes startlingly clear, and that clarity brings with it the courage to cut loose those things that don’t serve the big picture. So some things get cut, and others will just have to wait a bit longer. It’s all good.

All that being said, I’m immensely grateful to see the start of a new show season! The year’s first show is on May 2^nd from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The STOCKmarket, based in downtown Stockton (630 East Weber Avenue, to be exact). I know many of you wouldn’t count Stockton as a happening place to be, but I do believe this market will change your mind. My friend Amy Sieffert (owner of Something Borrowed, purveyor of amazing vintage clothing and accessories) and her business partner Katie Macrae have created a destination market of wonderfully curated art, clothing and accessories, home goods and so many more things that you may not have known you needed to have. Add to that some of the best local food trucks and live music and you’ve got a winner! Still don’t believe me? Check out the list of more than 40 vendors who’ll be bringing their “A” game.  You can also check out a video sample of the vendors.

This event promises to rival any you might find in San Francisco or another large metropolitan city. Amy and Katie are working on making this a regular event, and I for one am hoping they’re able to make that a reality!

And now for the obligatory teaser pics of some of the one-of-a-kind creations and vintage loveliness I’ll be bringing with me on Saturday:

I’d love to see you there on Saturday!  To recap:

The STOCKmarket

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015
630 East Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.