Every second weekend of the month, we set up three booths at the Scott Antique Market in Atlanta. We sell refinished and painted furniture. I would love to say that we like selling painted furniture, but truth be told, it's a job. Times are changing and if you do not change with it, you are left behind.
Being self-employed in a down economy, it is necessary to do whatever it takes to earn money. Next week, I'm starting a part time job to help out. But this weekend, I'm selling at Scot's. We do have a few pieces of refinished furniture, but compared to a year ago, the painted pieces outnumber the refinished ones.
Sweetie Pie is the furniture refinisher, but most recently, he's the custom paint finisher. I am proud of him everyday, but especially when customers walk past our booth and compliment his work. He works hard to make each piece stand out. His attention to detail is obvious.
My job is to sell it, so I'm in the booth or nearby. Many customers stop, but are not buyers. That's alright. We welcome lookers. Lookers can become buyers in a month or maybe even a year. I enjoy talking to them, even if it is just a smile and a nod. I spend all day watching a parade of people pass the booth.
And what a parade it is! Young and old. Thick and thin. Couples. Singles. Groups of friends. I see many of the same faces every month and although I do not know their name, we smile and nod. An old Lakewood friend is set up a few rows from us and it was wonderful catching up with her and her family. A dealer who set up behind us before we moved to our new location is not there this weekend. His son was tragically killed in an accident this week. Although I do not know him or his son, I grieve for his family.
Strangers become acquaintances. Acquaintances become friends. There is a dealer across from us this time who is from Maine and has the most wonderful accent. I do not know his name yet, but it's just Friday. We have two more days to move from stranger to friend.
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