Ice Box

I took the ol’ 13th COOKIE cookie box out for the First Friday Art Walk. A few points to clarify for you non-Portland, ME residents:

1) 13th COOKIE has a peanut vendor/cigarette girl-style over-the shoulder box for use in fairs, farmer’s markets and outdoor activities. It’s so much better to be mobile in such circumstances rather than wait for foot traffic to come to you. So much better.

2) First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event in downtown Portland where all of the art galleries (note: every third store in Portland is an art gallery, another third is restaurants, the last third is salons and the occasional boutique. all are bars) open their doors and create a flow of art enthusiasts that runs through the city. The streets come alive and the mood is fantastic.

It was, as it has been, a very pleasant experience. People were so friendly and supportive and…cold. They were cold…not as cold as I was, but cold. A few highlights from this evening:

• A fire juggler, who clearly did not have much in the way of funds in the upturned hat next to him, wanted a cookie and promised to give me the absent change on another pass through. I am a supporter of those who have a talent, however they express it, and I took what he offered and told him to forget about the rest. I walked farther up the street, stopping for the occasional client, when he started to pass by unnoticed. He called out and tapped me on the shoulder, then gave me the missing fifty cents. “I’m an honest man. Thanks.”
• I stopped in to see my good friend, Gerald, who owns Coast City Comics. There was “gathering” of people playing “Magic“. I have watched Gerald and friends play this game before and can say with conviction I have never understood a single word or notion involved with it. Gerald handed me a fold of bills and announced that anyone in attendance who wanted a cookie could have one. What a guy!
• Then I saw my friend, Anna, outside her studio, which was packed. She and one of the artist’s wives eagerly bought cookies and we talked about how our respective businesses were progressing. A number of people stopped, other friends included, and she proved to be a very vocal supporter of 13th COOKIE. Thanks, Anna! You’re aces.
• Three women stopped to ask about the cookies I had. As I started to explain, one of them stormed off with a dismissive wave of her hand. The others explained that she was Gluten-intolerant. I screamed across the traffic after her, but she was out of earshot. I explained to the other two women that she was one of the main reasons I do what I do. I strongly encouraged them to buy one for her and gave them a handout brochure. I would love to find out the results if you’re reading this!
• Then I got feeling back in my hands and I typed this.

Good night. Yeah, good night.

Thanks, Portland.