Shopping Springfield: The One That Got Away

We've all been there. Out cruising the show's aisles, you spot IT. Whether it's a life-long search or this week's must have, the mists part and the object that sets your heart pounding comes into view.



Depending on your shopping style, you make a mad dash in its direction or amble slowly toward it, feigning disinterest. But one way or another, you have to take a look at the price tag. And then you see it. The dreaded "SOLD" sticker. Some other intrepid shopper beat you to IT. Suddenly, it's like someone let all the air out of your balloon. Well, it happened to me not just once, but two booths in a row at Springfield! Ugh. Thought I'd be sick. One thing was a great dress form, wire cage and all, and actually in my price range. The second was the group of school tables above. While they may not look like much, they would clean up great. And to add insult to injury, they were all $5 to $10!! Boo, hiss, pout.

Somehow, I managed to survive -- barely! The gorgeous weather helped. As did the company of our BFF Heather with her fabulous jewelry in tow. Her sales were really brisk, and she picked up a new wholesale account.

We also enjoyed seeing tons of our favorite customers and friends from near and far: Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania. And being neighbors with our Chicago pals Janis and Judy; how ironic that with 2000-plus dealers, we'd end up right next to each other!

Furniture sold well, as did projects and Halloween. I wished that we had had more industrial, but that's been a constant this year. We're always on the look-out.

Saturday afternoon, we headed out to Burlington, but unfortunately, the Sunday morning brought with it persistent rain showers. By 2 pm, we were packing for the journey home. Tuesday, we'll sort our new finds and start working toward Allegan. And Wednesday, we'll be back out shopping for IT. xo