Getting to Know You

_ I've always been a proponent of getting to know your booth neighbors. Up until now, it has been from the point of view of having someone to watch your booth so you can take a bathroom break. And, for us shy artists, to get us connecting with less threatening people prior to a show starting.

_ This past weekend demonstrated another benefit. At the beginning of the show, I introduced myself to my immediate neighbors. Over the three days of this show, we commiserated over the lack of customers and the lack of sales. While tearing down on Sunday, I took a nasty fall. Immediately, all my booth neighbors were there helping me. One made sure nothing was broken. Another went to get help. Someone else helped me peel my face off the floor.

After the paramedics pronounced me fit for duty, I went back to loading my car. I was starting to develop bruises and some aches and pains. So, I was very grateful when another artist offered to load my heavy grids on my car's roof rack, especially since it was the grids that caused my fall. And still another artist offered to load my EZ-Up.

While I certainly do not recommend taking a tumble, it was a great way to learn about the power of making friends with your booth neighbors, and, in the goodness of people.

And, I am happy to report, nothing was broken. I am healing. The bruises are turning lovely shades of red and purple. Everything is functioning properly and the pains are diminishing.