Delightful Once Again

Okay, so I have finally lost my mind and decided to open my own store.  I thought I was going the easy route with a First Monday Trade Days store at the Old Mill Marketplace in Canton, Texas.  I am sure that you have all heard about the 1st Monday Trade Days at Canton.  It happens every month on the Thursday through Sunday before the First Monday of the month. Got that? Well, for the month of May it is May 3, 4, 5, 6. Eeks that's NEXT WEEKEND! (I am soooo nervous!)
How this all got started was the fact that I have always wanted to have my own store! I have waited and since I am going to be 50 years old this year, I decided I better get going.  I looked around for a location to rent, but realized that a 6 day-a-week store would cost me at least $20,000 for the first year, minimum.So, I decided I would rather have a new car.  Then, I decided to check out Flea Markets.  I went to the Third Monday Trade Days in McKinney, Texas.  It was okay, so I thought I would take a chance.  I had to submit an application with pictures and wait until April 24, 2012 to see if they felt I was good enough for their venue.  I was shocked when I received a call about 9:20 a.m. from the owner.  I didn't have my map ready, so he barked at me to call him back when I found my map so we could pick a space.  After about a million redials with a busy signal, I finally found another number for them.  I called that number and they answered on the second ring! Mr. Grumpy and I picked a space together and he said I had to mail him a check for $120 by Friday. Oh, by the way he said they were very impressed with my pictures of items I wanted to sale.  (See pics below.)  Mind you, this was on Tuesday, and I had to get my check in the mail, pronto!

But, would you believe that I had submitted an information form to the Canton Chamber of Commerce and the people at Old Mill Marketplace called, offering me a shop WITH AIR CONDITIONING, and my own French front doors, and a back door, a lock and leave, a key and free parking! The pricing was reasonable so I said I would go listen to their sales pitch. Then, a place called The Marketplace at Canton called me back and offered to show me a booth that was in their indoor vendor venue.  I went the next day to visit both places, with my husband in tow.  (He is ALWAYS my voice of reason.)  We saw the Marketplace first, but it was too expensive, too many rules, and nothing flea-like about it.  When we went to Old Mill Marketplace, the staff was friendly and showed me two shops that were available.  I could choose between one with a pink front or one with a blue front and blue floor! So, which one did I pick?  The pink one with the white french doors!  These last few days have been very busy loading my displays and all my junk.  (I will post pictures.)  I went from being a dreamer to a business owner in a matter of two days!  Cross that off of the super-sized bucket list!  
Come visit me if you are in Canton, Texas on May 3-6 at The Old Mill Marketplace, Pavilion 1, Store #22.  If you can't, you can visit my store online at www.delightfulonceagain.com
I have been so busy, that I only have some 1928 jewelry online and some other small items.  I will try to add more stuff, but it will probably be next week! Wish me luck! :)
Hugs,
Kathy