Pop Up, Pop Down

Hiya
I think I've just about picked myself back up off the floor, after a roller coaster week. Writing this blog will help me re-focus once I have discussed with you what happened, I will have completely got it off my chest. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I am finding my weekly blog writing therapeutic; its usually a reflection as to what has gone on in my week, or the world at large. It also marks the closure of the week and then I can think clearly in order to plan the next week ahead.
So last weekend there was an advert for space in Pop Up Shop in the Basingstoke Shopping Centre, Festival Place. I immediately jumped on this opportunity, and Tuesday I went there to meet the organiser and show him my women's wear range. He was keen to have me in the shop as they currently only stock children's wear in there, and it would be a unique addition to the shop. I was absolutely elated, my biggest opportunity yet with my business. The rent was cheap enough for me to commit to, and all would have to do is leave my clothes in there, do a bit of PR on line, but I wouldn't have had to do anything else. This could be my big break.

Foxy Lady and Anne Moon at our Pop Up Market

Thursday this week, marked the launch of our new Pop Up Market in Newbury. The Newbury Crafters team were very excited about this, as we got delayed last week due to the extreme (rolls eyes - extreme for the UK that is) weather conditions.

Some photos as tweeted by Newbury Greens

Their was a buzz about the place, as people came in to support us, fellow boat friends of mine, and some of my friends Steve and Caroline from Newbury Green Party (who are keen to support local business). Also the staff from the Tea Shop, who showed an active interest, and supported us throughout the day.
It was a lovely atmosphere, and I was happy to spend the day with my contemporaries. I even sold a few things whoopee.

Details about our next Pop Up Market

Unfortunately, I received a message from the Basingstoke Pop Up organiser, to tell me he could no longer fit me in, as in a few weeks, they need to move abd it will be smaller premises. I was absolutely gutted to say the least. Talk about Up then down. Within 5 days Id had the biggest opportunity offered to me, and then taken away. Easy come easy go I said to my friends, but inside, actually, I was devastated. It also took a bit of the shine off our own Pop Up Market venture.
I drank wine on Thursday night to drown my sorrows, well I wasn't actually drowning my sorrows, I wasn't going to let it affect me like that, but I needed to chill out, and re-focus, as I had spent the week, planning and organising things for Friday, and now I was confused. My head was scrambled. Drink wine, then start again tomorrow I thought. As a rule I bounce back quickly.
Friday came and I was all set to get back to researching and writing my blog, but then I had problems with my PC Aaaaaggghhhh. Anyway, I wont bore you with the detail, I'm just going to leave it there.
Also this week I went to see a Chiropractor. I have had some shoulders, back and arm issues for a few weeks, now, and my OH strongly encouraged me to get it looked at. When I had my intial appointment, she found 2 things wrong with me. Firstly Im wonky again, with one leg being an inch monger than the other, and the second, she needs to massage and retrain my left shoulder side, so we stop my head tilting forward.
With my legs, she has had to do some re-adjusting of my hips; this problem we believe has been caused by stepping on and off boat using the same leg all the time. Now I have to remember to always use the left leg as well. Not easy after doing this for about ten years.
The shoulder issue, we believe could have been caused when I worked hard doing repetitive work on the baby grow quilts I did recently.
I also did an afternoons work with Lizzie in Thatcham, I did lots of hand sewing for her, as she has a medical condition, that if she does to much hand work, she suffers for it. Hmmmm, who knew sewing could cause so many ailments?
Next week, I have some soft furnishings to do for a Hotel Boat, and we (me and Gillian), have our first Craft and Cake event at a cafe in Newbury. People can come along, decorate a Tote Bag, whilst socialising with tea and cake, and for a small price they get to take their bag home with them.
Please click on the link below for more details

Craft & Cake - Decorate a Tote Bag Event

I will also be doing research and see if I can think of other places I could potentially sell my stock. Maybe I need to go and visit some designer shops in the area, like a traditional boat gypsy.
That's better, I've got it off my chest. This afternoon I'm off to the Circus with Mia, then its Mothers Day tomorrow, unfortunately my OH is snowed under at work with his recent promotion, so I will probably end up taking Mia out to visit Donnington Castle as part of her school home work. Marvelous (said tongue in cheek). Maybe Richard will bung her some cash so we can go and treat our selves to a Mothers day lunch (I don't think she has quite enough in her money box at the moment.

Happy Mothers Day to all you mothers reading this blog. And especially to two of my biggest fans Lyn Mackfall and Nona Harrison (mine and Richards mums) - you're the best.
And thanks to all my lovely friends who actively support me, through good times and bad x