Build it and They Will Come?
Last week Annie and I were lucky enough to be given an opportunity to sell some bonsai and ceramics. I have always wanted to try and sell some of my bonsai that I have developed over the past 3 years. It was an interesting experience being on the other side of the table. It was a nice feeling when someone would stop by and look at something. I have to say my bonsai were surrounded by far better trees and paled into a lower level. This was not all that bad because I was still attached to some of these trees. However, we did manage to give some of the pottery I made to a new home. All in all we made about $100 AUD dollars over two days sitting under a bridge in 30 degree heat. The Flower Market in Taipei is the hub for plant and tree buyers. During the week day the area is a car park under a busy bridge, and during the weekend it transforms into a thriving tree lovers paradise. You can buy bonsai trees, pots, fish, gardening tools and ceramics just to name a few things. It's a great place if you like this kind of stuff.
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| Friends David and Cassy came by to check in. It was noted that neither of them didn't buy anything. Perhaps they were saving the 'good stuff' for others. David is an All in One Bonsai follower who has supported for many years. |
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| A few trees that needed to be misted every hour or so. I found myself misting every 15 minutes though - I needed to do something! |
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| The guys next to us were wiring all day long. They were in their own world - a good world. |
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| Our small bonsai and some wood fired pottery. |
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| Cheers! |
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| Making some adjustments on day 2. |
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| A homemade pot down below and a Chinese imported pot above. The Chinese characters say 'drunk'. |
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| The trees next to us had us for dinner. Too good! |
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| Opposite our table 50 or so locals were taking part in their first bonsai lesson. They were given a tree, pot, wire, and soil. Everyone was into it. No doubt this experience will convert at least some of these locals to the bonsai world for life. |
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| Little demonstrations were given at each table. |
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| Time to pack up after 2 full on days. |
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| Not mine but a nice pine waiting patiently. |
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| Some other trees that weren't sold. |
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| These were the last things we threw in the taxi to go home. Life under the bridge on the weekend is not easy! In the end we didn't make much money but we did meet some interesting people and experienced what these people that have a regular store at the market every week go through. The feeling of having someone want what you have created is satisfying. It's not all about the money right? Take care out there! |
