So… the phone rings at 10:40 on Friday morning. Me, in pajamas sewing leisurely preparing for the much awaited Buckman Art Show & Sell. Answer phone calmly, only to be thrown into terrifying panic mode because we are supposed to be in Portland setting up our table for the show! What?! Of course, I’ve misread the instructions and gotten the setup times mixed up, the doors are closing in 20 minutes, and we live not in Portland, but across the bridge in Vancouver! Needless to say, several unladylike words later, and sweating like a banshee, we were in the car and Dolls for Friends arrives at the Buckman Show! TA-DA! Thank goodness Erin was calm, and he was driving, so we arrived safely.

Fast forward several hours, and we return showered, and ready to roll! Immediately, the talent is VERY apparent, and I was really excited that we were getting to be a part of this cool event.  So, everyone we met that was involved with this show, were just fantastic. I can only imagine the countless hours they put into planning this exceptional venue. For instance, Mary Bradshaw who coordinated the silent auction, and gift bags for the musicians was so wonderful, and I really enjoyed getting to meet her. And our neighbor at the show, Peri of Perisponchos, was super. We swapped a doll for her daughter, and she is going to donate fabric scraps (garbage bag full at a time, mind you) for our plushies. How cool is that? And of course, one of my favorites, and who is quickly becoming a good friend and ally, Shannon of Mayabella was there with all of her sweet owls, horses, and octopi! And a shout out to Chris Haberman, a fantastic artist- we were lucky enough to snag one of his paintings over the weekend. And the list goes on and on, I think we had a great time, can you tell?

If you’ve never been to Portland, consider this a formal invitation! You should come visit, it will be an experience you won’t forget, the scenery is gorgeous, the people smart and friendly, and the depth of talent will blow you away!  And  don’t forget us Washingtonians, Portland’s friends across the river, we’re cool too!