SPRING SHOWS

[Willy]

Well it has been a fairly dry spell for local area shows since the Holidays ended.  We have had two bead and jewelry shows and one gem and mineral show.  The beed shows were way too expensive to try and sell at ($1200 to $2500 per space) and the gem and mineral show, I was able to enter in the display category, but couldn't get a space as all filled by those from previous years.  Have had two very restricted shows on the local military bases, so a bit limited who could attend, but they went quite well in spite of only 50-65 in attendance. 

But now the Spring Shows are starting, 4 in the next 3 weeks.  So we have our fingers crossed as need a big boost as won't be able to be as active and do many shows for the next few months.

In a way was glad for the break as the wife finally got scheduled for a long overdue back surgery for a herinated disc.  Some of you probably noticed my absence, as if it really matters much from the forum, as between medical appointments and keeping her down for 3 weeks, it hasn't given me much of a chance to do anything else.  Even keeping the BLOG and web-site updated became a real hassel at times.

Now we get in several quick shows.  But to top everything off, I got informed the other day that I am going to be down for an extended period of time.  The foot I had injured in the militray some 30 years ago and then crushed and rebuilt in 1996 as a result of breaking up a gang fight at a local high school, has finally seen better days.   I have been told that based on the way I am walking and the over-growing of the bones in the ankle and foot, it could snap at the ankle at any time if I would stumble or trip or walk on an uneven surface.  So my only choice is to have the foot and ankle amputated and get a prosthesis.  If the surgeon is any where near correct, within 2-3 weeks I will be up at least in a wheel chair and then couple weeks later on crutches, then after 10-12 weeks they can try and fit the prosthesis.  They figure 6-8 weeks in PT to learn to walk again.

So hopefully by the time the fall and holiday season shows start, I can at least be on crutches and in a wheel chair and can get out and help the wife some.  But it will probably be next spring or summer before I can tackle anything like Quartzite or Tucson or Denver Shows again.  Looks like going to have plenty of time to 'surf' the web and keep up with forums, chat rooms and BLOGs.  From the looks of it, won't be doing much else for about 4-5 months.  Whoppie !!

Hopefully I will be able to get to my shop and still be able to do some pendants for the wife and daughter-in-law to incorporate into their jewelry.  But going out and hunting for the rocks and stones is going to be curtailed for a while.  And darn it, the local gem and mineral club has some great rock hounding trips scheduled for this summer.

Willy

[Taogem]

You two are having some real trials..

So sounds like your wife has already had the surgery and is needing to take it easy for a while..

So sorry about your foot Willy..  I just don't even know what to say... Especially as active as the two of you have always been !

[azsavit]

That is a shame about your foot, but it is good that your wife was able to get her ordeal over with a bit ahead of you. Just stay busy and active at the shows, to the best of your ability.

Our feet and our backs are both weak points in our odd, bipedal design. The price we pay to be human.

I wish you both the best of luck!

[thewrightthings]

Willy, sorry to hear about your foot/ankle.  You sound like a very determined guy with lots of spunk, so sure you will surmount the obstacles and make the most of this.  Take care.

[hulagrub]

Willy, Wow, talk about large mountains to climb.

[Bluesssman]

Willy, I hope everything works out well for you. I do not envy losing a foot, but I am sure you will succeed in handling everything.


Gary

[ScarlettoSara]

Willy:) I always enjoy hearing from you and the shows and adventures you are having.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know nothing will ever keep you down for long.

[Willy]

Thanks much for the encouragement from everyone.  I just have my fingers crossed the doc is correct for the 2nd time since his first try to save rather than remove lasted 12 years.

Well the show was cancelled this past weekend and will try again on the 24th.  3 1/2 inches of rain in a little over 12 hrs and some places south of us had 13 to 15 inches in the same period.  Couldn't even get to the park where to be held at for water over the road.  One idiot tried (big high wheel drive pick-up) and found out that the big tires float and he got washed downstream.  Rescued about hour later hanging onto a tree.  That experience cost him about $2500, fine plus $750 per responding rescue vehicle.

Willy

[tgood1969]

Willy, our trials only serve to make us stronger.  Though our bodies must grow week, our spirits may grow stong.  

My prayers are with you and your wife.  I am sure that with your positive attitude, nothing can keep you down.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from the surgery.

Mike

[Taogem]

Willy, our trials only serve to make us stronger.  Though our bodies must grow week, our spirits may grow strong.  


Mike

I totally agree ...

[Willy]

Thanks to everyone for the kind words.  Well I get the final looksee and word on May 3rd, and have my fingers crossed that the wife is advised all healed on her back surgery this coming Wed.  Now way both of us can be down.

Well the first show two weekends ago was cancelled because of flooding from the rains.  It seems we are either dought or floods, nothing inbetween.  Did have a very very good 4 hr show at the base, and the 2 day bead, gem and jewelry bazaar is this coming weekend.  Think this show will tell us if the economy coming back a bit, as the base show is a set group of people.

Willy

[Bluesssman]

Willy, I have good thoughts for your wife's back... I hope the show goes well for you this weekend. Keep letting us know what is happening with you!


Gary

[Taogem]

Good news about your wifes back healing up..

Good luck this weekend at the two day show ! 

[Willy]

Well about all I can say about the 3 shows we have had in the last 4 weeks, is that the attendance is poor, a lot of the big dealers didn't show up which was good, but those customers, will call them, that came to the shows were really buying.  I started out 4 weeks ago with a bit over 250 cabs and pendants and earring pairs, and after this last weekend am down to less than 50.  Glad no shows for a while as can maybe get caught up, especially hopefull won't be confined to bed or a recliner chair for too long and can at least get up with crutches to get to my workbench stool or in a wheel chair and be able to get to the workbench to make some more items for the years Holiday Season.  The wife a bit disappointed though, as her finished jewelry just wasn't selling, everyone seems to be making their own, so all her left over partial bead shanks and my cabs and pendants went very well.

Willy

[ScarlettoSara]

Wow you did sell a lot:) What seemed to be selling the best?
What stone and what shape?  I think the trend is moving back to the calibrated ones.
And I see a trend for a little faceting on the stones. I am going to try a few of these myself. Like a square or rectangular with an emerald or step cut.
Good to hear from you Willy. When is your surgery?
You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you fast recovery and little pain.
Sara