Setting up my stall in Nelson again.

A cool morning – still and calm and a blue sky promising sun later when it’s climbed high enough. Nelson market (https://www.nelsonmarket.co.nz/) is held in a car park behind the main street, so it’s surrounded by 2 and 3 storey business premises. This gives the marketers shelter but very strong gusts of wind are often funnelled through the alleyways leading to the market which occasionally lifts and carries away a gazebo.

It was a slow start

but picked up as the shift changed. There is a definite pattern to the shoppers. The early morning ones are focussed on their vegetable and yummy breads shop for the week. Maybe they snatch a hot crepe or bacon burger, but then it’s off home to start their day.

Then the strollers and gazers arrive.

They amble and stop to take in all the interesting products and wares on offer stopping to greet friends and exchanging news. Sometimes they exchanging a smile and “Good Morning” with the stall holders. With luck, their curiosity will be sparked enough for them to wander over for a chat. I proudly state that I both wrote and illustrated the books and they look suitably impressed.

I often meet old customers

which is a very special occasion. I hear that my books have gone to many overseas children as well as within New Zealand and that they enjoyed my fairy stories. Conversations spring up on the most bizarre subjects – which can be very entertaining.