Lord I tell you! This journey to becoming a high demand Writer can take you into some unconventional places! Some may call it the 'chitlin circuit.' That's what traveling the road to success is called when you're struggling to become whatever it is you want to become and find yourself in...like I said 'unconventional places.'

 

Today I began week 3 of setting up shop at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park, Florida. Sounds adventurous? Well actually Wagon Wheel is about 15 minutes away from my doorstep and is open weekly to vendors on Saturday and Sunday from 7:15AM to 4:00PM.

 

Alice Favors, (another Writer friend) joined me today. Alice previously published book "Poems of Inspiration" was her first self published book. She and I were introduced by another mutual Writer friend about a year ago and we've been communicating on a regular basis every since. Alice creates poetry and has several other genre's in process.

 

We were situated in space HC46 which means we were in the center aisle of Section H among the regular vendors that I've seen in the three weeks since joining the Wagon Wheel venue. Jamaica Jeff ( the artist) and Robin (another artist) are our neighbors on the west and Blossom (jeweler) is on the Southeast side. Blossom confirmed with me today that she has been at Wagon Wheel for 30 years! I found that to be amazing! She says she remembers when the Wagon Wheel location was surrounded by nothing but trees for miles! Her hair is well coiffed and she looks amazingly well!  To our west is a gentleman and his wife selling used books for $1. Organized containers according to genre of just about every book imagined, paper back and hard copy are available. They have also been vendors in Wagon Wheel for a while. Most of their books are left covered and protected through the week when the venue is closed. Transporting them to and from weekly would require a double wide!

 

Both Alice (who is married with a wonderful family) and myself are comfortable in our own skin. We view being at Wagon Wheel as an opportunity to showcase our our works. "Hey world here we are! Two sistahs with something to say...I mean write about!"

 

Since being a vendor there I have seen people that are known to me and many that aren't walking up and down the aisles looking for bargains albeit books, unique pottery, art, Avon, Mary K, jewelry, fruits and vegetables...just about every thing under the sun!  However Alice and I are the only writers there selling our own creative poetry. As I examined several vendors items, I am impressed with the creativity of those around me! Jamaica Jeff ( the artist) uses vivid reds, yellow, and greens to create beautiful scenes on canvas derivative of his Jamaican roots. Robins' pottery reflects floral images. She also paints rocks taken from her back yard with scenes depicting the flag, hearts, frogs and nature. There is also a vendor northeast of our location who creates miniature wooden houses and ceramic roses. This writer feels very blessed to be around the creativity.

 

A former classmate stops by and chats. He doesn't purchase anything but seems more interested in wanting to why I cut my hair so short. My response to him was because " I wanted to". Anyone that has known me for a while knows that I'm a chameleon with my hair. After all being able to change my hair style is artistic! The short boy cut style is perfect for the Wagon Wheel and very appropriate for our long Florida summers. Eventhough we are under a covered roof with ceiling fans circulating, the sides of the venue are open and heat from the sun rays can leave you feeling dehydrated.

 

We show our impressive framed poems and verses to those that stop by; pass out cards and fliers hoping to create more business for ourselves. I proudly refer to my website www.xpressionsbyBarbaraJ.com Sales are slow but Blossom confirms that this is the slow time of the year. She should know the trends after 30 years, don't you think?

 

Around 2:30PM we begin to pack our creative verses and props. The Wagon Wheel day for us ended with two 'sistahs' feeling fulfilled knowing that we gave out all of our cards and fliers, made a few sales and contacts.

 

So if you are reading this blog and need special verses created for the special person, occasion or just because please call 727-474-3564, email me at bsorey25@hotmail.com and place your order through my paypal account ar www.expressionsbyBarbaraJ.com

 

Until next time...

 

 Hey this looks like me with the new hair cut!