During my break, I pulled out the holiday music.  I've always been a big fan, I think it has to do with overloading the senses.  For a couple of weeks every thing's bright, the music sappy (even in the Indie form which also tends to be cheeky) and we prepare for the holidays.  Perhaps because I was raised Jewish, I'll listen to anything holiday related, any denomination, any language, it's the sentiment that counts.

Today I'm reeling from the success of yesterday's holiday party.  It was wonderful.  As predicted, I met some wonderful people.  Plus, I bought some truly unique holidays gifts (in fact, I'd love to list them here, but don't want to give away any holiday surprises).  New York is such a big city, full of so many people (which is what makes it big and culturally rich) doing exciting things.  Going to events like this and the one I attended at In Good Company, I'm so inspired.  There should  be more opportunities to meet like this. It's not a bar, it's not a show, the common factor is that the women here are looking to meet other cool women.

One of the people I was really pleased to see was Judith Steinhart - Health & Sexuality Consultant.  Judith & I had met before.  I wasn't sure exactly what she did by the end of our last meeting and didn't have the opportunity to ask.  But there's something about her energy that's just so compelling.  Speaking with her this time, within 1 minute I felt comfortable.  She's one of those people to whom you could say anything, anything in the world.  She just radiates.

Her sister Deb was also selling jewelry, a beautiful necklace she designed and has on her Infinite Wishes website.  We shared our experiences and excitement selling our new products for the first time.  It was wonderful to know I wasn't the only person new to this experience.

Joanne Morton, brought her own Magic Passion Love and all of those feelings, while she gave readings using her Magic Passion Love cards.  As the host and organizer, her warm openness really set the tone for the event.

In the end, I sold 2 items (yay!) completed some holiday shopping (bonus!), found a cool jacket and belt in the clothing swap, and spent the afternoon with some really cool women.  New ideas were struck and the inspiration will last me for weeks!

My first craft sale's this afternoon.  And boy am I excited and scared!

This will be the first time I sell my pieces to people I don't know.  Another milestone.  The group  and woman organizing the event are supportive and awesome, so it's a wonderful first step. It's a clothing swap, craft sale, and chance to get together.  Really, it couldn't be less stressing.

Originally, my husband Robert (who is just awesome) wanted to join me so that he could take photos and help me set up.  I realised pretty quickly that this wasn't going to be a structured craft sale, so stopped stressing about having the materials for a proper table.  I would learn here what worked and what didn't.  I would also be able to get in-person feedback on my jewelry.  But I was looking forward to the support as I was doing something new.  A reminder email reminded me (as they do) that the first Sunday of every month is "Fucking Cool Woman Day" I realised that this was probably something I needed to do by myself.

Baking cookies - oatmeal with chocolate chips and raisins  - is a slightly mediative process for me.  So as I pack my materials, the smell of warm sweets make me feel good.  The weather's cold and drab, but that somehow makes me appreciate the holidays more.  I know I always come back from these kinds of events super-charged with positive energy.

All the hard work paid off!

Shortly after my sites were launched Laura told me about friend of hers was putting together a low-key clothing swap and clothing swap in alphabet city.  When I first started working with Laura she had sent me Joanne's site, Trickydame Art because she has an extraordinary way of presenting her artwork. 

So I sent an email inquiring and panicked for a few moments.  Did I have enough to sell?  Was it good enough?  Was I ready?  I don't know where all of these doubts come from, but perhaps addressing them makes me more certain of what I'm doing. 

Shortly after, I heard back from Joanne and she's just awesome!  The event is being operated through the FCW Society (no the initials are completely a coincidence), an organization "FCW Society is dedicated to promoting and exploring feminist issues and interests while spreading the word and celebrating the fact that women are so fucking cool!"  Her email explained that the event would be very low-key and feature a few tables.   This sounded so perfect!

Again, those fears washed away.  Now I'm so excited about meeting everyone there!  It will be a fantastic afternoon.

Here are the details:

FCW Society Holiday Fiesta!

Sunday, December 7 3-7pm

Angels & Kings

50 E 11th (corner of Ave A & 11th)