ROFLMBO. Keep 'em comin', KJ.

When we had the kitchen in our first house remodeled--about 14 years ago, our builder took me aside and informed me that one of his crew had a dissolute youth and had served time for second degree murder(bar fight gone VERY wrong), and if I didn't feel safe with the ex-con in my house, then the builder wouldn't assign him to my job, but that the builder would vouch for the guy. I'd met the guy--and he was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. AND an amazing carpenter. I let him work at my house. I was 30 and had two kids under 5. Why? I'm not sure--except that I know people are capable of changing. And if felons can't do honest work--what ARE they going to do? That said, if my builder hadn't "fessed up"--and I'd found out on my own--it might have been a different story. I don't know. Just another way of looking at the "criminal record" thing. OH--and I don't think there's a deductable for stealing and breakage when a company is bonded. It's not like it's YOUR homeonweners that is covering it! melanie

Looks like you've already decided and I'm late chiming in but I simply can't resist. I love igloochick's answer, but I think her case is just a bit different than yours. Your potter's wheel is not outdated or non-working, it's just not being used at the moment. And unless it's costing you something to keep it, I don't see any reason to let it go. My name is lowspark and I'm a pack rat. Yeah, I am. So who am I to give advice? Well the point is, if it's easy to get rid of it with no agonizing then it's time to get rid of it. But any agonizing at all means keep it. I kept my fine china from my first marriage long after I'd divorced. Why? Emotional ties -- I hardly ever used it when I was married but afterwards, I never used it. It finally came to the point where I thought about it and said, OK, I'm ready to let go. At that point, there was no decision, no hemming & hawing, no wondering if I was doing the right thing. I didn't want them anymore, done deal. I sold it all on ebay and the money I got went into my Remodel The Kitchen Fund. So, when the decision is hard, that means keep it. When it's really time to let go, if that time ever comes, you won't have to come post here, you'll just know it's ok and it will go. Good for you for making (what I think is) the right decision.

I have seen some town festivals gradually decline like you are mentioning. We finally have decided to give up the one in May because it has rapidly been going down hill, and this year they gave out surveys asking how we felt about allowing buy/sell. Well, they already have it, so if they "ALLOW" it, it will be worse, it will Tupperware and MakeUP, and all that too. I have heard over the past couple years (at least three years) that show sales have declined. I think crafts is one of those first to go when times are tough, luxury item. I am crossing my fingers that we pick up in sales this month, but not holding my breath. You are right about "made in china". We looked at one booth Saturday that had all Ohio wholesale items, and I flipped one over and the sticker was removed, she didn't even do a good job at it. And they were doing a good business. Same with jewelry, a lot of it is b/s. Just like ceramics and raw wood, it will even out, remember when it seemed everyone was doing ceramics, then wood, and then gel candles (only saw one of them at the show Saturday). It ebbs and flows, you just have to work on your craft and style and let the tide pass you by!! AND YES, positive thinking, you are ahead for the next show. Laura