We're back in the studio after another great tradeshow in Houston where I introduced two new fabric collections: Lottie Da and True Colors. It's always a treat to catch up with shop-owners, designers, editors and friends. It's even more fun when there are new fabrics to share.
Our booth took the first place prize, which put a pretty blue ribbon on a rough ride to get there. On my way to the airport, Isaac called to say that our van's new transmission had died again. He wasn't far from town, towing our booth to Market. With only 15 minutes to discuss our options before entering airport security, I closed the call with "You better just go buy a new vehicle and get back on the road. Have fun!"
Hours later, when I landed in Texas, I learned I was a truck-owner—Isaac's dream truck—a big ol' Ford F150. Isaac glowed right through the phone. Talk about the stars aligning for the man. Your vehicle breaks right when your wife is about to board a plane, leaving you just enough time to hear her say, "Go buy something." Then, with blanket permission to do as you wish, you get to choose your dream truck without even having to field her questions. And on top of that, she's glad. The problem is solved.
Makes me smile every time I step up into my shiny new truck.*
* I'm told this is my truck.
This transportation trip-up put us a full 24 hours behind schedule which left me unexpectedly stranded in San Antonio, three hours from Houston. (Isaac was originally going to get me at the airport on his way through town.) What was to be a full work day, finalizing the tradeshow booth in Houston became a mini vacation day in San Antonio. I booked myself a hotel, got some much-needed sleep, and spent the next full day touring The Alamo, enjoying the gorgeous downtown Riverwalk and weeding through Lucha Libre masks and Eukeleles for some Christmas presents at the Mexican Market. Isaac and the new truck arrived by nightfall in time to grab some gourmet ice cream and hit the road for Houston.
What a week. We pulled out of that tailspin and kept on trucking. It cost us needed sleep when we finally made it to Houston to set up—and some dignity—while we scrambled to set up the booth in a quarter of the time we had planned.
Some blue ribbons mean more than others.
So so happy that it all worked out Heather! Hooray for the new truck, Aaron has an F-150 too and I love driving it.
Hope you’ve been able to catch up on sleep since returning!
Now that explains the uncharacteristic last minute fluffing you were doing as I asked to take your photo Friday morning. Glad it all worked out. Usually does.
Great story and a much deserved blue ribbon! The colors and layout are fantastic!
Great story! We need an F-250 to tow our trailer. It’s on the list.
Its a beautiful booth! God gives us detours to appreciate what we otherwise would have missed. I love the truck btw!
I love the story behind the blue ribbon! And the booth, beautiful!
My dad has an F-250, and I don’t ride in it very often. When I do, I feel as though we are traveling down the street in a two-story building. It is SO much higher than my little car. He has threatened to sell it, but then he says, “I better keep it—what if Brenda buys another loom or something?” It is red, and I think that makes it run better. 😉
Congrats on your ribbon. What an experience! And yay for the new truck 🙂
After viewing those pics it makes me want to go watch Nacho Libre again, LOL!!
that is so funny. I bet he smiled while buying it and couldn’t wait to call you. I know my husband would do that.
Your booth looked great and that butterfly was AMAZING!
Yep, the stars all aligned. And somethings are just meant to be I think. Blue ribbon and all!
Wow – your booth looked fabulous and totally deserved the win!
What a drama to get there for Isaac – but that truck sure made up for it. Very nice indeed!!
That story will go down as a true quilt market classic! What a ride! Love the truck (we call these utes in Australia). And congratulations on landing the blue ribbon. The booth looked fantastic!
That whole truck story makes me laugh. My husband would love a truck like that, unfortunately the other farm trucks still keep chugging.
oh wow~ what a time you had!congratulations on the win : )
That’s nuts. Glad it all worked out with a new truck to boot. Yeehaw! 😉 Look forward to getting ahold of your new fabric.
BTW, just made up a pincushion for my momma using your square deal and spring violets patterns. It will have special meaning for her. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.