Well us dynamic quatro just got back from trying the DC Big Flea version in Fredericksburg, VA. You can see from the party pics just how cute we were. But what a strange customer crowd! First we thought that the bus loads of folks from AARP had accidentally been dropped off at the wrong convention center (some one thought that the fliers had mentioned free denture cream-hey-no offense-I'm playing the back 9 myself) but then when the younger peeps showed up it was still weird. Janine and Karen got on board with Linda's new motto, "What goes to Fredericksburg stays in Fredericksburg", (still not as fun as my, "what happens in Chantilly stays in Chantilly") and gave new homes to some old goodies but Mellie and I finally figured out that this ain't our venue. We did, however, get some good advise from Robyn and Rene from Robyn's Nest on the art show circuit which we will be checkin' out asap.
Not to worry, we had way more fun than is legal (but I will put us up against any farm laborer as working harder than legal too, just for the three days though, mind you) thanks to best friends Paul and Julie, Linda, Cary, and my personal booth/room mates Janine, Karen, and Mellie.
AND, okay, Fredericksburg, let's just start by saying that if you know any foreigners coming to the States for a visit, right before or after Disneyland they MUST go to Freddyburg. I'm not a mall person (other than DC which has museums and is, you know, outside) but I've never seen anything anywhere near like this area where we were. Pardon me but I have to list a small part of the offerings all in one area: Krispy Kreme (believe it or not, these are not in order of desire), Pancho Villa, Baja Fresh, Qudoba, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Texas Steakhouse, Outback, Ledo's Pizza, Asian Cuisine, Thai Pad, Panda Express, Chic Fil A, Mickey D's, Burger King, Quizno's, Pizza Hut, Panera, okay, Super Walmart, Target, A.C. Moore, Michael's, Benjamin Moore, Lowe's, Home Depot, 14 screen movie theater, Ice Palace rink, B of A, M&T, Chevy Chase Bank, Blockbuster, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens and Things, Old Navy, DSW, Shoe Rack, Payless, Safeway, Giant, Food Lion...this is in about a square mile area. Okay, I'll leave this subject for now but I think you're getting my point that it is indescribably overwhelming commercialism-I saw it but I still can't believe it. I was so taken aback that I'd love to see it through the eyes of someone from outside this country.
The upshot is not that I've been practically bed-ridden with a cold since I got back but that I always have so much fun with my best buds and it's always an interesting carney experience that I love. The weather was perfect for the show but pretty tough for loading in and out.
Please stay tuned as I will be working frantically on my website, this blog, and other new venues for my artwork.
