“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of vending The Best Little Arts & Craft Show in Jamaica, Vermont. It was the second year for this wonderful juried show with vendors both inside the historic town hall and on the side lawn. I got to meet some wonderful, talented folks and show off my wares to a new audience in southern Vermont! Not only did I gain some inspiration, I gained more experience as a craft vendor, and I made some good connections!

My husband and I love Jamaica State Park, so we made a weekend out of the show and camped there Friday and Saturday night. We were able to go on a beautiful hike to Stratton Pond with our pup on Saturday, explored Stratton Village a bit, and ate a scrumptious meal at the VERY cool Red Slate restaurant, located in the Upper Pass Lodge near Magic Mountain. Not only do they serve tasty food, but they proudly are the only bar in Vermont that EXCLUSIVELY serves Vermont made spirits, beers, and wines. How cool is that? I tried the Upper Pass (not related to the lodge) Cloud Drop, a hazy, fruity American Double IPA, which was lovely.

Sunday I woke early to get over to the historic town hall, a gorgeous building in the heart of downtown Jamaica, and start setting up. The show was put on by Jamaica Community Arts, a local nonprofit with the mission to bring high-quality music and arts to the beautiful town of Jamaica. I loved the venue and the weather couldn’t have been better! Light streamed in through the windows, illuminating the artisans’ work and highlighting all of the handmade treasures. I had fun chatting with the customers as well as the fellow artists.

For lunch, Reed and I ate THE BEST burgers and cheesy fries from Hound Dogs, a wonderful food truck from Manchester, VT. I am definitely going to search these guys out the next time I’m in the area… their food was SO GOOD, they were extremely nice, and I need to try their Philly cheesesteak.

I really enjoyed vending this show. I always get a lot out of talking with folks about my work, and truly appreciate seeing people’s eyes light up while reading the quotes I’ve chosen or their faces scrunch up trying to read some of the shape designs. It opens up a conversation and allows me to share some inspiration with them. Wander On Words is all about lifting folks up and getting them to feel motivated to get the most out of life.

Thank you to all the people who helped put on the Best Little Craft Show, those who attended, and the great artists who vended it! I can’t wait for my next show and to see what this summer has in store for Wander On Words. Enjoy some photos from our weekend in Jamaica below!