a whirlwind few days

Stop the world, I want to get off - for a nap at least! The last few days have been a blurr. Thursday I taught two classes from 10 am to 3 pm and today had a class from 10 am to 1 pm (which lasted til 2).

And yesterday four good friends and I went to Canton, TX, for "First Monday Trade Days." Canton is a typical little Texas town of 3500 which happens to also be a county seat. Trade Days started in the 1850's when the District Judge would stop in the town to hold court on the first Monday of every month. As people came to town for legal matters, they would also bring goods, produce and livestock to sell or trade. This has now grown into quite an experience. The town hosts approximately 7000 vendors and 300,000 people on a typical weekend before the first Monday of every month.

There are metal bunker-type "pavilions" which have roofs and cement slabs but are open on the sides. Vendors set up their "booths" and sell arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, just about anything you can think of. At this time of year especially, there's tons of seasonal decorations, floral arrangements and gift items. It's so huge, there is no way you could see everything in several days, much less one day.

We usually take a girls' road trip for this several times a year. It's a long day with two hours' driving each way. Yesterday was hot and very crowded, but we had a great time, spent some money, ate some junk food and, most of all, spent pleasurable hours with good friends.

Here are a few of the things I bought. Doesn't look like much when you get it home, but it feels like alot when you're paying for it and carting it around!

Three pumpkins for $3.50 each! These will look cute with some fall leaves for a centerpiece.

Love these little holiday hangers. The Happy Hallween and Merry Christmas are covered with glitter; the Happy Holidays is a magnet!

I absolutely fell in love with this shabby bird. He will be nestled in some snow-frosted greenery for Christmas time.