it is what it is

this little piece, which hangs in our hallway, is one of my favorite 'stories.'

about six or seven years ago, my friend kelly and i took a road trip to santa fe, new mexico. we borrowed my mom's convertible and enjoyed the sun a little too much. i got a *very* attractive sunburn in the shape of the seat belt across my shoulder on the way down from denver.

i had been to santa fe several times before and had visited the tesuque flea market. i found amazing jewelry there, at a better price than anywhere in town. now, every girl loves finding something unique and well-priced at artsy flea markets, but the setting of this flea market is so unique. picture a backdrop of mountains, pine trees, aspen, and a crystal blue new mexican sky. now imagine a crisp, mountain morning in the summer. dusty gravel on your feet. not to mention, a green chile breakfast burrito in your hand that you can NOT replicate outside the state. i was so impressed, i made sure kelly and i went back.

we arrived ready to seize whatever opportunity would come our way. after sizing up the jewelry, we headed out, each on our own, to see what else we could find. i stumbled into a tent full of what could best be described as 'trash art.' the artist, a forty-something new age hippie, was very friendly. i loved her work- it was colorful, fun, and really affordable. she mostly made scenes and sayings on old spam or sardine cans. what i loved the most was her iridescent paint in coppers and teals on many of her pieces.

instantly, i saw christmas presents...birthday presents...how unique! how clever! i started asking her questions...how did she make these? how did she come across the items she used in each piece? she was very talkative and we had a great time chatting in the sun. when it came around to purchasing, i started figuring out how i could take these home...

"do you take credit cards?"

"no, i find that credit cards are such a hassle."

"oh... that's fine, i have my checkbook- do you take checks?"

"you know, i never really manage to get to the bank."

"oh... well, i only have enough cash to buy one of these. do you have a website?"

"no, i don't have any internet at home."

"what if i sent you an order, would you mail it to me?"

"i've done that before, but i'm really bad about getting things out in time."

"um... okay.... i'll just take this one."

now, what may appear as a letdown, i actually found really charming. this woman was one of the most laid back people i've met. she was so understanding of her own flaws, she just worked around them. since she owned up to them right off the bat, i wasn't left waiting on some package or dealing with some issue later on down the road. she was content to sit in a beautiful place, chat with whoever came by, and maybe sell a piece or two.

i learned such a good lesson that day: to be upfront about who i am and how i work. the following year, i told my students' parents at back-to-school night, "you know, i'm not really good about returning voicemails. my light blinks red, and i don't often see it. i'm much better answering emails, or even visiting in person."

i've said it every year since.

and you know what: i hardly EVER get voice mails. when i do, they often start with, "i know you don't return voice mails, i just wanted you to know...."

now that i think about it, i'm really glad i chose the piece i did. something about her words really fit who she was and what she taught me that day.