Nobody sees a flower- really- it is so small it takes time-we haven’t time-and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. –Georgia O’Keefe

This month I had the opportunity to sell at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene and Dumbo. It was a good introduction to a new kind of market that emphasizes on eco-consumerism and a sustainable workforce. Many of the vendors are young entrepreneurs and groups of families who are all quite friendly and exude the great spirit of community and friendship. It’s a very different experience from a gigantic street fair run by money driven organizers, something I won’t ever be involved in.

At the Fort Greene market one Saturday, I met these five friends. They stayed a while, trying on earrings and necklaces, and got a sense of the deep friendship they all have for each other in their encouragements and compliments, in their honesty and grace. One of them is about to get married, and I added that when one folds, the others follow like dominoes, and they laughed!  The four girls were from out of town, and perhaps were celebrating her big day.  They are all wearing earrings and necklaces they bought that day, and I love this beautiful snap shot of them. They have a true spirit of friendship, one that will carry them throughout their lives.

I meet many types of friends at the markets, sometimes it is a set of sisters who share a great friendship, and what better friend to have than a sister?   Sometimes it is married couples who like to hear the stories of where and how I find my parts to create a one-of-a-kind piece, and there is a mutual respect and honesty in the conversations. These are worth more than gold to me…