Heading to Pensacola

I am on my way to Pensacola, Great Gulf Coast Art Festival.

I live in Ybor City (Tampa) and could do Dunedin, but I don't, so does that tell ya something?

Some thoughts.

I still get that excited feeling of heading down the highway to an art show. This is my 35th year in the biz, I have done more than 2000 of these little soirees. I still get that feeling of hopeful sales at the show. I love being on the road traveling. It is nearly a nine hour ride to Pensacola. But to me it is worth it. I pass the sign on the Appalachicola River that says "You are now entering the central time zone. I just gained an hour. If I could find 23 more of these signs in a day, I would never grow old.

The times are very tough, my worst in 35 years--I am off by 60% over last year--plus I am recovering from open heart surgery.

But still I feel invigorated. I am excited, this will be my first show of setting my booth up and stocking it without helpers. I am ready. It has been three months since surgery, I feel stronger. I feel that I can pick up those 45-pund John Deere weights and heft them to my booth (I will use my Magline cart.)

I believe I will make decent money How is that for optimism?

I have decent winter/spring schedule shaping up for Florida. I just gotta survive this month and December. Daunting, but survivable. I will triumph.

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Comments

Connie Mettler November 6, 2012 at 3:48pm

While waiting for Nels' report on the Pensacola show here is a link from Pensacola, good story about the event: http://www.pnj.com/article/20121103/NEWS01/311030020/No-blues-for-G...
Jacki Bilsborrow November 4, 2012 at 11:34pm

Nels, your photos are stunning. Nice to have you back.
Annette Piper November 2, 2012 at 5:37pm

Good to hear from you Nels :) Love the photos and the optimism I hear in your post!
Alison Thomas November 1, 2012 at 4:06pm

Good luck Nels. I know that feeling.
geri a. wegner November 1, 2012 at 10:54am

Nels, why not give Islamorada another try this year? They are upping the advertising, no football that weekend and best of all--it is Islamorada!!
Jim Parker November 1, 2012 at 9:06am

Good lucks Nels. Have a great time in Pensacola, and may the weather gods smile upon your sales potential.
Connie Mettler November 1, 2012 at 8:48am

Made me smile this morning to step up to the computer and hear your voice again, Nels. What a pleasure to meet you here.

You've caught the exact reason why many enjoy the art fairs. There is that hope of success, that love of the road, the expectation that something good is waiting at the other end and assuredly adventures along the way. Best wishes in Pensacola.

What time of day did you take the photo with the red fishing shack?
Nels Johnson November 1, 2012 at 7:52am

Here is one I did at Pensacola three weeks go, will have it at the show.
Nels Johnson November 1, 2012 at 7:50am

Geri, it will depend on whether I get into Key West in Feb. I did not waste time nor money applying to the Grove. Will let you know.

Geoff thanks for the insights, hope to see you soon somewhere on the west coast of Florida.
Geoff Coe October 31, 2012 at 11:21pm

Nice hearing from you, Nels! You'll do just fine...I really like the composition in the shot you posted, btw.