Sunday, June 12, 2016

A Difficult Day

Hey everyone. I'm sure by now all of you know what is going on in Orlando. I don't normally do posts like this when a tragedy occurs because what can I possibly say. This time it is a little more personal. This happened in a city I love to a community that I love. As you all know, I go down to Orlando several times a year to visit my best friend. My gay best friend. Who has taken me to this club before. Who I had to frantically text this morning to make sure he was ok. And I am so incredibly lucky to say that everyone I know is ok. My heart breaks for everyone who was not that lucky.

I don't understand how someone can have this much hate in their heart. It is crazy. All I know is that I will hold everyone a little tighter and let everyone know how much they mean to me. And I want you all to know that you mean a lot to me. All of the support and time you have given to me over the past few years have meant the world to me and I thank you all so much.


A lot of tears were shed today for so many reasons (more below). I'm typically not one to pray but today I pray for those that lost their lives and those that lost someone they love due to a senseless act of violence. And I pray that we can all find a way to tap into the goodness of our hearts and treat each other with kindness and respect. We are all human and that should be all that matters. 


On another note, for those of you who are curious to know about the street fair I was participating in today unfortunately it is more bad news. While it is clearly not a tragedy in any way it was a very disappointing morning... I had my display pretty much set up when the unweighted tent of the vendor next to me flew into my tent and display. The jewelry that I had spent so much time on went flying and my displays (which I also hand made) broke. Some of the jewelry was damaged, the necklaces were in large clumps and knots and there are still about 15 rings laying in the street somewhere. I was clearly really upset because there was no recovery from it since my displays were destroyed and my stock tangled and damaged so I had to pack it up as the fair was starting. It was really upsetting because of the time and money that I had put into it. And also because the vendor didn't even care to apologize for basically causing me to close up shop before it even opened. I know that it clearly is not a big deal in comparison to the other events of the day but it was still a really difficult situation for me. I struggle with my decision to pack it up but I got really overwhelmed looking at my hard work laying all over the street and I just couldn't see any way to recover it and get the usable stock out there in any sort of timely manner, especially since my displays were also destroyed. I feel stupid even complaining or being upset about this when there is so much else going on but I figured I'd give you the update on this as well... especially considering I should still be there right now.

I'm sorry for such a sad post but I just felt like I had to say something because I just can't understand it. I hope that you are all doing ok and that all of your loved ones are safe. I am hoping to be back mid next week with a regular post. 

<3




8 comments:

  1. I have seen farmers market umbrellas blown away but never to trash another vendors stuff. It seems like someone should be held responsible for your loss. Yes, the situation is trivial compared to what happened in Orlando, but it is still a big loss to you and your potential livliehood. Please dont let this disuade you. One day you can look back on it and laugh.

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    1. The booths were so close to each other and it just flew right into my space. I wish I could hold someone responsible but in the end it was technically an accident. I think I would have felt better if the other vendor at least acknowledged what happened but they didn't really seem to care.

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  2. I am so very sorry about your day. I know in perspective to what happened yesterday (I have gay friends that I adore and am glad your friend is ok) it makes our problems seem trivial but you did put a lot of work and time into creating something beautiful that would have brought happiness to others only to have it ruined. Even if the person was embarrassed that caused it and didn't know what to say, just acknowledging responsibility for it would have been the right thing to do. Hope they cash in their karmic coupon soon. Keep creating so others may appreciate your talent!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words Beverlee. I appreciate it. I'm sure your friends have been affected by this as well because it does impact the entire community so I'm sorry that they have to deal with that as well. I will never understand what causes someone to hate so much.

      I am trying to figure out a way to get the jewelry out there somehow. I appreciate your kindness though, it means a lot <3

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  3. I'm so glad your friend is okay. How terrifying. My heart was already heavy over the first weekend shooting. I don't know what the answer is, but I know more love, and less hate and guns are a really good place to start.
    I am so sorry that happened to you at your stand. I can't believe the person didn't even acknowledge what happened! Your jewelry is so beautiful, and you put all that time, and you put yourself into it, just so upsetting. I am just so sorry, I couldn't agree with Beverlee more, I hope they cash in their karmic coupon soon!

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    1. Thank you! He is safe but definitely very shaken up by it. It is very scary for him and it will take him a long time to heal but I'm doing what I can to support him. The first shooting was awful as well, I just will never understand. I couldn't agree with you more... more love and less hate and guns is a great place to start. Throw in some tolerance and we'll be on the right track.

      Thank you, it was a surreal moment but I've come to terms with it. It was a learning experience and hopefully next time will be better and successful.

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  4. To think of all those lost, is very upsetting. I'm so glad your best friend wasn't there. How absolutely terrifying to know you've been there, it might be a place he would go, and the panic to find him! I'm praying for everyone affected, it is truly horrible!

    I'm frustrated for you! All that time, effort, and heart in your pieces. I'm mad at that other vendor! I know how beautiful those pieces are, hopefully someone found a ring and asked where it was created. Did the organizer offer any compensation for the booth rental? I'm so sorry this happened! :(

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    1. It really is tragic to think of all of these amazing people and how their lives were cut short. It was a scary morning but I am glad they they are safe.

      Thank you, it was incredibly frustrating but I guess I'm going to chalk it up to a learning experience. The organizers do not know what happened and I can't imagine that they would offer a refund because technically it was an accident and certainly not their fault. I'm just going to suck up the loss for now and figure out the next step. The biggest loss stock-wise was the 15 rings and luckily I still have a few of those settings left if I need to make more.

      Thank you <3

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