Sunday, May 1, 2011

We're into the third day of our craft show at the Maple Syrup Festival.  Our sales are down a bit from last year, but given the price of gas and what's going on with the economy, we are extremely grateful to be doing so well. In a time when people are watching their finances much more closely, we are blessed that they find our products worthwhile to buy. I have pics and video, but I left my camera at the booth and will update later. Each craft show is a surprise as to what will sell.  This year we sold a lot of soap and candles.  Some shows we don't sell a single candle.  Last year there was a fudgemaker down the aisle from us.  This year she wasn't there and we have sold all but one box of fudge.  Last year there was another soapmaker - this year she wasn't there.  You just never know.  Another factor is that the weather was nice so we had more competition from the outside vendors.  Last year it rained and a a lot of them went home.  Sunday is generally our lowest of the threes days, but again, the weather is nice so we may get people who come by before the parade.

One of the fun things about doing craft shows is now that we are into our 5th year, we are getting to know the regulars.  One of our favorites is Catha Thomas from CT Treats.  Her granola is, well, decadent.  If you haven't tried it, look her up on her website or on Facebook.  Not only is her granola super yummy, but she is a fun person to get to know.  We don't do the Highland Festival Show in Alma because outdoor shows are not a good venue for us, but we do participate in the 5K and you can bet that we make a beeline for her booth after the race.

Back later with pics from the weekend.

Word of the day:
Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday – Solemnity
Feast of the Church : Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy SundayToday Pope Benedict XVI presides at the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II
Saint(s) of the day : St Joseph the Worker
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20:19-31.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, «Peace be with you.»
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.