While I was in my shop the other day, my buddy, Randy, came along: "Here I am again, showing up like a bad penny! Will you be my Valentine even though I'm a day late?"
"Of course I will!" I replied. Randy is a guy who stops by and chats with me every time he comes to the flea market. This man is a treasure trove of trivia and is very interesting to talk to. He knows a little bit about all kinds of things and I learn something new every time we chat. This time he is holding a bag of something as he sits down in my extra chair.
Even though he is past retirement age, Randy is still working just for the heck of it. He is a local mechanic and on the side, he buys, rebuilds and sells some of the great old cars from the past. And if that isn't enough, he haunts all the outdoor flea markets and yard sales and comes up with some of the most unique finds you can imagine from ruby glass which he loves, to jewelry, to all kinds of unusual decorative items.
Randy is a real free spirit and he makes lots of friends wherever he goes. I bet he's been all over the country at one time or another. I think he was married once upon a time... Now he lives in harmony with his brother and sister on some land with a house where each have their own space.
Randy gives away much of what he buys. He will see something he likes, bargains the price down and buys it. Then he will often come to my shop and show me what his latest find is. He knows I am interested in these beautiful vintage or antique oddities. "You know, I think C----- would like this. I think I'll give it to her for her birthday." Or, "My sister will like this... I'll shine it up and give it to her and surprise her."
One meets so many interesting people in a flea market. From vendors to customers to lookers... All you need is to make sure you place an extra chair in your shop so folks can sit down and relax for a few minutes. You just need to be inviting and let them know they are welcome to stay a while. I have people who come back again and again just to sit awhile and have someone listen to them... lonely people, hurting people among them.
So today, Randy has come to surprise ME and to give ME a present! He opens up the bag and hands me my gift. What a delight! It is a gorgeous vase and the hand painted roses are perfect! It is surely from his ruby glass collection. Yes, indeed, "I am happy to be your Valentine..." and I give him a big hug!
