This is my corny gratitude post

It took me a few days to recover from Mama Tried in February. Not because the distance between Milwaukee and Syracuse is long (it is). Not because the work to prepare was arduous (it was). Not because of any strenuous effort or stress or freezing cold weather, but because the whole event was so wonderful.

The event coordinators, builders, and vendors all made me feel like I was a part one big tribe. It was fun and welcoming, but also the energy of being surrounded by people who make stuff, go places, and take risks was truly great. I loved being around them, and the energy and enthusiasm was inspiring.

The Mama Tried attendees who came to my booth were so supportive and friendly and nice. And the feedback received and the conversations had made the whole trip so valuable.

When I got home, I had a little crash. Similar to going on vacation to a gorgeous location where you fall in love with the beauty of it all, to then return home, back to the same old.

However, life marches on and I had projects and orders to fulfill, and the next market to prepare for.

That market was yesterday. Ostara Bazaar–a local, Syracuse Vintage and Makers Market. And while it was much, much smaller than Mama Tried, and obviously not chopper-related, the same energy was there. Twenty-or-so mostly-women who make stuff and do things. The event coordinators and vendors made me feel like family. It was wonderful.

So I realized that it's not just the chopper community that I love, but people who go out into the world and make their lives what they want them to be. They put in the time and the effort, focusing on what they love, and then share that with others.

But also I can not forget the customers! The people who make a concerted effort to go out and support. They take precious hours out of their weekend to browse, chat, give kind words, and sometimes even a few of their hard-earned dollars. They search for and appreciate handmade (or vintage) things of quality. They keep me, and other makers, afloat.

As I start my third market season (which is booking up fast), I am even more grateful and energized. Thank you.