I love a crowded shopping experience. I love the crush and the hustle and the noisy reactions to what’s here and there and what’s clearly a hot item.
There is a caveat.
I want to be alone when I do it, and it’s best if nobody recognizes me.
Today was a success.
I went to Swiss Days at Midway Town Square, where dozens (hundreds?) of merchants set up booths for a weekend and sell gazillion dollars worth of soaps, jewelry, pottery, crafts, and — a little bit of surprise to me this year — tons of quilted “stuff.” I have no better word than “stuff,” because I didn’t get too close. Not because it’s not cool. I’m sure it is. But because, in some of the stalls, there was no way to get close. The swarms of women buying many, many quilted bags and pillowcases and totes and decorations. Wow.
I went where I always go and bought myself some birthday jewelry from my favorite place (and hugged some of my favorite people). This will go into the secret recesses of my husband’s closet for two weeks, at which time he’ll wrap it up and I’ll unwrap it and be so surprised. Never underestimate the surprise of getting exactly what you want for your birthday.
After my purchase was made, I wandered, as slowly as everyone else, around the booths. I saw all the fun things people were selling. I made a couple more small purchases, I visited the best bookstore, and I smiled at funny things.
And then I walked back to my car and was home hours before lunchtime.
It was fun. Once-a-year kind of fun, for me. And I did see people I know (not only the ones selling my favorite jewelry). And it was nice to be outside in perfect September weather. And really, really nice to be home again.