[2023-09-24] Cheerful conversations
Mel and I attended the Cheerfully Made craft market in Kanata today, which showcased the talents of local crafters. It's always enjoyable to see what the vendors have to offer. But what I appreciate even more is a good conversation. I had several such conversations today.
The first was with Marlene Pastor, who operates Cozy Pocket Designs: "handcrafted with love for little ones with big imaginations." I was initially drawn to her colourful play mats, remembering how my kids played with such mats as children, maneuvering their toy cars down the streets. I also fell in love with Marlene's cloth books, cases for holding a colouring book, markers and crayons, and pillows with pockets for tucking away a book or any small plaything. The pillows have inspirational statements such as "Reading makes me clever as a fox!" and "Reading is my superpower." Marlene shared her love of fabrics and explained how she produces the designs. It was a pleasure to talk with her.
Next I chatted with Adam Penney and Chelsea Gutzman, proprietors of The Coffee Plant: "indulgent, whimsical, plant-based takes on classic baked goods." Based in Kingston, The Coffee Plant is currently an online enterprise, but Adam and Chelsea are hoping to have a coffee shop in the future. As I approached their table, a woman who was in line to buy some baked goods said, "They give out the best samples." Indeed, Mel and I shared a sample of their cookies (peanut butter, smores, waffle) and a fruit tart. Not only were Adam and Chelsea generous with their samples, but they were equally generous with their time and knowledge. While I'm not vegan (though I do enjoy anything tasty—vegan or otherwise), I did take advantage of the opportunity to ask seasoned vegan bakers what ingredients they use, as I'm planning to make some for a friend who is vegan. They were very forthcoming with their advice and experience. Adam and Chelsea were both warm and positive, quite remarkable considering that they had spent two full days meeting hundreds of people at the busy market.
I moved on to another spot in the market and started up a conversation with Erin Brae, who runs Erin Brae Design: "a passion for all things handcrafted." What struck both Mel and me most were Erin's colourful flowers made out of reclaimed wood. They're exquisite—delicate, detailed and durable. We chatted about how she makes the wood flowers and her efforts to choose the most sustainable products for her crafts. Once again, it was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation. Erin was the kind of person you'd love to have coffee with.
We had other pleasant conversations, including a chance meeting with Wake, whom I told you about in Feeding the soul. Wake used to run Curious & Kind, which was a shop, workshop and space for small events in Almonte. It focused on storytelling, poetry, crafting, art and community gathering and was especially welcoming to people who were neurodivergent, queer, disabled or chronically ill. Mel recognized Wake at the market. When Wake recognized us in return, they asked me how I was doing, as they've been following my blog since we met last May. I was pleased to learn that Wake and their partner had found a place in Nova Scotia and had come back to the region to close their house here. Wake continues to be a very gentle soul.
We also enjoyed chatting with Abi of Soaps by Abi, whom we met at last year's Cheerfully Made craft market in Kanata. Mel bought soaps from Abi then as well as from Abi at her home in Almonte in May, as I shared in Feeding the soul. Today, Abi and her husband Rémy were accompanied by their son. They look like a wonderful family.
One last conversation I would highlight was with a girl of about 12 years old who was staffing a table—her dad busy in the background. She greeted me with a hearty hello. I asked her whether she had made the beautiful paper designs on sale at her table.
— No, my mom makes them, and my dad does the graphic design.
— Do you provide creative input?
— What's that?
— It's your ideas. For example, maybe you would tell your mom that she needs to create some crafts with unicorns. [There was, indeed, a card with a unicorn on it.]
— No. I don't do that.
— Well, does your mom ever ask you for your opinion on her designs?
— Yes.
— And do you ever say, "These are good, Mom, but these other ones need more work?"
— Not really. My mom's stuff is usually pretty good.
— Did you ever tell her that you didn't like something?
— Yes. Twice.
— Well then, that's creative input.
— Are you a teacher?
— No.
— You would make a good teacher.
I smiled at that statement and took it as a compliment. I explained that I had studied journalism, so I was good at asking questions. I commended her for helping her parents and encouraged her to tell her mom that her designs were very beautiful.
For me, events are always more pleasant when I make a connection with someone. I left the market feeling cheerful.
